I love this album. There’s a real joy about it and a nice melodic 80’s thrust to the opener ‘One More Time’ with lyrics spiked with song references – it’s a great way to get the blood pumping before the more traditional 80’s style Blues-infused rock of ‘All Messed Up’ (with a solo by Bruce Kulick) which is equally solid.
‘Somebody Save Our Souls’ hits like vintage Lizzy Borden meets the first Black Tide album and works so well. We’re keeping the ‘Metal’ dial in the red with ‘In Murder They Trust’ a chugging Metal anthem; before the mid tempo cool of ‘Fast & Furious’ takes us to another place entirely with its wonderful guitar work and harmonies.
I must admit for a third album and having never heard the predecessors I will be venturing back in time at some point to catch up on this Dutch outfits two previous releases, but at the moment I’m just enjoying this ride. There has been a huge line-up change this time round with main man Serge Naberman, who handles guitar and vocals, joined by a new guitarist, bassist and drummer.
The second half of the album kicks off with ‘Hold On To The Night’ which reaches for vintage Skid Row sonically with a nice driving metallic edge. ‘Scared of the Devil’ adds a nice bottom end and some retro wail; whilst ‘Under a 100,000 Stars’ gets back to straight forward rocking up a storm.
Don’t get me wrong this is a great album, but it loses a little steam as we head for the finish line with ‘Full Circle’ nice enough but adding nothing new to the mix just consolidating things. That leaves us with ‘Start Rocking’ another decent hard rocker to close.
‘The Black Widow Anthems’ is a fine album with a new line up and might just raise the flag high enough to get the international attention it deserves.
7 / 10