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I really enjoyed the Infected release from U.D.O so believe me I was looking forward to this – and for once it was worth looking forward to. Much the same style as Infected, this is true Heavy Metal with mammoth riffs and hooks to spare. I can't believe I hadn't checked these guys out sooner. Although a full back discography to look into awaits me, let's focus on the present. Ten tracks of Heavy Metal brilliance with classic guitar solos exhuming melodic brilliance, thundering drum and bass work, all of which is complemented by the man himself – Udo Dirkschneider delivering his charismatic style of vocals like a true metal warrior. In a previous review I mentioned how well 2009 was shaping up. We're in September now and looking back, I realize how many awesome releases we've seen and they just keep on coming, Dominator is one of the finer releases of the year, swimming amongst a sea of the great albums but swimming faster than most.

The festivities kick off with stomper "The Bogeyman" displaying a somber intro flying into a massive riff, certainly one of the finest parts of the album – whilst not the most technical these riffs simply fucking slay. If you read my review for Infected you surely know it's an awesome track – if not, expect an awesome Grave Digger infused monster of a track. "Doom Ride" is another stomping exercise in Heavy Metal brilliance, featuring a big chorus and a thunderous main riff. "Devil's Rendezvous" is a strange cookie – yet surprisingly very fun – you have to hear it. "Speed Demon" sounds like Rheingold-era Grave Digger, standing as a personal favorite of mine this song really tears the place up. Album closer "Whispers In The Dark" has a certain ballad feel to it, Udo sounds intense and delivers the best performance on the album. Despite the ballad feel, this is the best track on offer, truly a great one which I would imagine to be stunning live.

Overall a brilliant album which all metal fans should pick up this year. It's great fun, and if you enjoyed the Herman Frank release you're going to love this. Furious and stomping Heavy Metal at its finest, proving the veterans still know how to tear things up. Recommended.