Even though had convinced many skeptics that they might still have plenty of quality heavy metal to offer thanks to career-saving early-'90s albums like and , a three-year recording hiatus and another independent label change hardly foreshadowed an imminent return to glory for the band's wary, ill-treated fans. And yet, wouldn't you know, the old Barnsley bums managed just that with 1995's absolutely massive-sounding , an album few imagined capable of, following years of embarrassing creative misfires. Once past its thunderous opening title track (an unqualified classic for the ages), delivered a slew of improbably memorable and distinctive numbers, including the ever-reliable biker anthem, "Big Twin Rolling (Coming Home)," the fittingly ominous "Great White Buffalo" (no relation to the staple), the slow-building "Demolition Alley," and the slate-cleaning mission statement of "Yesterday's Gone." In fact, there wasn't a single outright dud in sight (OK, "Walking Through Tokyo" excepted), and this ensured that hit home with a level of confidence and, most importantly, honesty, that hadn't displayed in eons. No more mindless anthems for poodle-haired arenas they'd never fill; no more sappy-ass ballads for groupies they'd never lay; no more mediocre grist for the major-label mill they'd never even be allowed to touch; no more bullsh*t, period -- just straight-ahead heavy metal that felt like a balm to the band's long-suffering faithful, and served as a fitting last call for longtime guitarist , who bowed out of the group after two decades of service following this release. [ was reissued by in early 2006 with curt liner notes penned by singer , and a pair of live bonus tracks in album standout "Great White Buffalo" and reliable old warhorse "Denim & Leather."] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia