Reviewed by Ian Webber

Bringing a raft of experience to the table, Mass have been producing polished progressive metal for over 30 years. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts they sit somewhere in between Aerosmith and Boston who both share mutual heritage. Throughout the recording, this music is equally strong, smooth and full of power. Gene D'Itra litters the tracks with a guitarist's cornucopia of rhythms, fireworks and power chords. All full of class and at no time detracting from Louis St August's classic vocals. Opening with driving drums, the melodic rocker "Just Can't Deny" has a definite feel of Europe with its huge, layered chorus. There is a real good time stomp feel to the rock ballad "Falling In Love" but the real stars of the show at every turn on this recording are the guitars. There is a lovely tone to the acoustic breaks in "Alive" and Stryper's Michael Sweet chips in with a cameo solo on "Stand Alone". Add to this a throaty bass groove and sumptuous organ sounds, the ingredients of a classic are in place. Throughout the recording production is crystal clear and charged with energy. With the quality of these musicians it is a surprise that they have never really made a bigger name for themselves. It seems that they may have been living in the shadow of Stryper. If hook laden rock is not for you, steer clear, but fans of a classic '80s metal sound will find much in this recording to satisfy. Within its genre, this is a corker!

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