By the dawn of the 1980s, was considered a relic in the world and no one was surprised when they disbanded shortly after 1980s half-hearted album. However, everyone listening received an unexpected surprise when the band returned with a new lineup and a sleek, revamped sound on 1982's . If one can get past the -like title and the gruesome cover art, this outing quickly reveals itself to be one of the most consistent and engaging albums in the group's lengthy catalog. The new that debuted on this outing was a different animal from the ensemble that barnstormed its way through albums like and : echoes of the group's old style could be heard in the drama and instrumental firepower of the new songs, but the overall sound owed a greater debt to the and harder-rocking groups of the time. The tone is set by opening track a dynamic rocker that contrasts its furious guitar-laden verses with a harmony-drenched chorus worthy of . Other sharp rockers in this vein include a punchy rocker that pairs an ascending guitar riff with a singalong chorus, and a lusty opus that sounds like gone crazy. Elsewhere, the band balances the with mid-tempo tunes that marry their energy to sweet melodies: allows 's keyboards to take the lead on a tune that marries power chords to hooks, while became a hit single thanks to its combination of slick harmonies and an insidiously catchy melody. It's a diverse bill of fare but it manages to cohere nicely thanks to a tight, unified attack from the band that is built on the synthesis between 's thick guitar riffs and 's symphonically layered keyboards. Special note should also be taken of the group's new vocalist, : His emphatic vocal style suggests a cross between . It fits the music's powerful-yet-slick style like a glove and provides the emotional intensity necessary to put the songs over the top. In the end, rocks hard enough to please addicts but is slick enough to win over fanatics and this combination makes it one 's most enduring achievements in the album format. ~ Donald A. Guarisco