An album like this could come across as self-indulgent if the songwriting and performances weren't equal to the ambitious concept. Fortunately, they are. The last Lion's Share album, "Emotional Coma" , while an excellent album, was more along the lines of prog metal versus what they've done this time around. This time around Lion's Share serve up a completely balls to the wall metal that goes for the throat like wild beasts does its prey. The guitars are cranked to the max, the vocals are packed with unbridled fury, and if I had to compare a album that satisfies all the criteria of classic heavy metal, this would be it. Straight out of the Judas Priest Big Book Of Metal. In fact, we could do with a few more bands doing something similar. Vocalist, Patrik Johansson is in awesome form as he hits some amazing notes. There's one section of the album on the tracks 'Heavy Cross To Bear' and 'The Bottomless Pit', that is absolutely flawless, and should be required metal listening. Meanwhile, Lars Chriss does extremely proficient double duty as both guitarist and producer. Even the slower numbers come with added crunch. If you liked the Tony Martin era-Sabbath, or mid-eighties Priest, then 'Dark Hours' is an album you're going to absolutely love.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
