RECREATION DAY

Another solid album whose quality and rank in the band's catalogue may come down to a matter of taste. "Recreation Day" features a more powerful, sweeping sound than their excellent previous release, "In Search Of", which was a better demonstration of song- writing creativity. Take your pick... either way "Recreation Day" completely rocks!

"Great Deceiver" smashes down the door with its monstrous opening lick, while following songs keep the heat up just as nicely. This album is so energetic-- but especially Englund's terrific singing-- that the listener while likely find their mood changing from song to song (always the mark of a good rock album). As far as subject matter goes, "Recreation Day" is about as dreary as it gets, but that doesn't keep me from singing along with Englund's soaring voice and pumping my fists to the exciting riffing; fortunately, the band has thrown in enough lulls in the metal to keep the music from sounding repetitive. The rhythm section is as bland as ever though, but not boring enough to keep me from loving this album.

Just as good, but perhaps not as necessary as "In Search Of".

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 4 Lyrics/Vocals: 4 Style/Emotion/Replay: 4