Talking about diversity! This band still knows how to mix stuff. “Squealer” has been in the studio with Tommy Newton and Andy Sneap (“Machine Head”, “Testament” and “Kreator”), and after their debut “Made for Eternity” they got a worthy second album called: “Under the Cross”. Opening with a modern sounding “Painful Lust”; heavy, maybe a bit mechanical, but it’s got a certain drive. Some riffs remind of “Therapy?”(“Facing the Death”), and early “Metallica” (“Out of the Dark”); but there are also songs which sound bombastic, like “Savatage”; with sing along choruses (“Rules of Life”).

The title song chorus could have been played by “Twisted Sister” years ago, while another song is flowing from a “Rammstein” kinda riff, fluently into “Helloween” up-tempo melodies. As if this is not enough, there are also some wave influences, reminding of “Sisters of Mercy” (“Fade Away”), and the funny heavy cover “In Zaire”. This CD won’t bore very fast, but it doesn’t really state which direction the band wants to go. Though the musicians are very good, and so are their songs, I hope they will get a real identity with their next album.