With 1985's , German institution attempted to add catchier choruses and melodies to their high-octane guitar riffing in a clear ploy to crack the American market. Not that this move in any way upset the balance of their thus-far smooth-running machine, which had been gaining momentum with every release since the start of the decade. No, was certainly a step toward accessibility, but a cautious one at that -- and, frankly, there was no toning down when it came to the lacerated larynx of gifted lead screamer . You gotta hand it to , they sure knew how to make an entrance by now, and the apocalyptic title track is about as dramatic as it gets (the operatic comes close), with guitarist taking the helm on a long, mid-song solo excursion containing equal nods to (very nice) and (get real). First single is next, and along with the even more melodic it places obvious emphasis on hooks and melodies (and proved to be the toughest to stomach for the band's more hardcore fans). But despite another strange detour into territory with the bizarre still packed amazing power, heaping on their Teutonic background vocals for the ultraheavy and gleefully pile-driving their way through relentless moshers like and The brilliantly over-the-top finds screeching like never before, and to cap things off, the band really cooks on -- arguably the best track all around. A winning set. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia