RAGING SILENCE

This is the first studio album of the Shaw/Lanzon era. The overall sound, songwriting and production are somewhat of an improvement over the previous "Equator" but without true highlights. In fact, none of the 10 songs is on a par with "Poor Little Rich Girl" and "The Night of the Wolf".

Notwithstanding, there are many enjoyable tracks, (still) with the recognizable heep sound. Mick Box takes on a more prominent role (electric guitar). Keyboards are generally more restrained than in the previous record: Phil Lanzon still plays bland snyth but without letting the 80s tones stand above the arrangements. Choruses are strengthened and never annoying, the rhythm session is dynamic.

On a high note: "Voice on My TV", the cover "Hold Your Head Up" (Argent) that sounds very good in the Heep' style and the soft rock ballad "When the War Is Over", with orchestration directed by Phil Lanzon (the second cover). Slightly superior is "Lifeline", the better song of the album.

Could have been a great album.