After the first few spins of this album I thought it sounded like dated 80’s metal hiding under a sneaky camouflage of the tuned-down guitars and heavy riffs of the modern era. A quick read through the inlay-card confirmed my suspicions, this is a “remake” of songs by Dokken and Lynch Mob.

Lynch Mob have in their ranks none other than “80’s guitar slingers hero” (quote:label promo) George Lynch. Pictured on the inlay card is Lynch’s custom made ESP guitar, which has the be one of the most fabulous guitars I’ve ever seen. Luckily he can play almost as good as the guitar looks. Blistering solos accompany most songs on the track coupled with the previously mentioned tuned-down heavy riffs. The solos remind me of Eddie Van Halen in the “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge” album. Unfortunately, as good as the guitar playing is, it can’t disguise the fact that these are just beefed up 80`s tracks which is most apparent in the opening song “tooth and nail” and the music is too dependant on Lynch for flair.

So after discovering that the album is just short of remastered old tracks led me to think why release this album at all? Should this material not be found in B-sides and limited edition packs of original work? I wasn`t aware of the original Dokken tracks on this album which means I can’t say whether or not the songs are an improvement, but for me, alarm bells ring when an artist tries to re-use old material. For fans of Dokken I would say approach this album with caution, for if you liked it for what it was then, you`ll probably think Lynch Mob have gone and ruined some masterpieces.