While they started off being marketed as a band, past a certain point, became primarily a -led project. Which shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as it was the one that has written the vast majority of the group's tunes and has dictated their direction from the get-go. And also past a certain point, went from shock-rock poster children for the PMRC ( anyone?), and began focusing on conceptual albums and more mature lyrical subject matter. And it's the latter direction that continues with on their 2009 offering, . Supposedly based on "biblical visions of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (as confirmed by the album cover's doodle), is still metallic-based, and such tracks as and are instant anthems. Elsewhere, you'll find a pretty darn dandy cover of the sadly oft-overlooked -era classic and while they're known first and foremost as headbangers, has always had a soft side for power ballads, and (not to be confused with the earlier ballad, ) gets the nod this time 'round. As far as '80s metallists go, is one of the few artists from the genre whose songwriting has only improved with age. ~ Greg Prato