I have enjoyed this band's previous albums, but this third album is a lot stronger in pretty much every regard. The production is better, the playing is sharper and more energetic, and the songs are catchier. The band just really sounds like they have their shit together this time out.

This is a band fundamentally about the sounds of the '80s, from the synth-heavy intro with the narration about a post-apocalyptic wasteland and the sheer NWOBHM energy of the riffs and vocal lines. Laura Collier still isn't the greatest singer, but she has so much infectious energy you won't care. The recording walks that perfect line between modern clarity and punch alongside a rough, retro mix and a lot of echo. This really reminds me a lot of classic greats like Chastain or Stormwitch. (Clearly, Ruler of the Wasteland is an album they have listened to a lot, along with Walpurgis Night.) Even if you are an old grump like me, you will bang your head and throw the horns to this one.