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LIONS SHARE from Sweden was always considered a top tier Melodic Metal- act in Europe with their previous four albums (three albums, one greatest hits). I for one never bought into the hype, old vocalist Andy Engberg's voice always made me cringe (until I heard him in the band TWILIGHT) and the songs seemed too laid back, they were progressive, but in the MALMSTEEN-type of way. The band always seemed to be dicking around the listener, Lars Chriss's guitarwork was very technical, but he seemed to try too much to be a perfectionist instead of just rocking on. Well it's time for a little change, as Engberg gets replaced by belter Tony Niva and keyboardist Kay Backlund is gone, too, making this a four-piece now.
With all the new faces this album rages, cruising with urgent, Metal intent. LIONS SHARE strike at the heart of classical-based, European metal, melody of a steely, regal nature, showing the true intelligence and discipline of the band. The tracks smoke now, stripping some of the extreme frilliness out of their prior efforts. Tony Niva does for the SHARE what Barlow is doing for ICED EARTH, amplification, emotion and projection, turning the band into a tower of strength, a guitar driven machine set to amaze.
Faves would be "On And On" and "Losing My Head", both riding the wave of agility and blazing speed, looming riffs, hooking you in from the get go. Powerful medicine for a Metal-junkie. "Entrance" craps all over it's past, dropping a first round knockout of professional Metal.
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