• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Declaration of War is the second full-length from Sweden's Mean Streak and, unlike their somewhat boring band name, the album is anything but. It is an excellent collection of Heavy/Power riffs, solos and high-pitched screams, evoking old school bands like Accept and Malice, as well as newer artists like Iron Fire and Iron Savior.

Mean Streak do a nice job mixing up the tempo on Declaration of War, from the double kicks of the opening title track, to the mid-paced "The End of the Rainbow," and the slower, chugging "Sons of Metal," the best track on the album. This is the one that will have the crowds throwing fists in the air. Singer Andy LaGuerin has a powerful, clear voice that reminds me of Malice's James Neal, although he's not quite as solid on the higher screams. Guitarists David Andersson and Patrik Gardberg trade riffs and solos like the twin guitar legends of the 80s. The songwriting could be improved as none of the songs, other than "Sons of Metal," really sticks around. The performances are spot-on, though, and any fan of Heavy or Power Metal should enjoy Declaration of War.