GOOD APOLLO, I'M BURNING STAR IV, VOLUME TWO - NO WORLD FOR TOMORROW

Josh Eppard has left so we have a new drummer for this album. I must admit I like the previous album a lot better than this one. Even the cover art is better on "Volume One" in my opinion. Anyway this particular record just seems more commercial sounding than the previous one and if it wasn't for a strong second half on this one I wouldn't even like it.The first six tracks just don't do much for me to be honest.

"The Reaping" is a laid back intro track with guitar and vocals leading the way. "No World For Tomorrow" kicks in right away and we get some nice bass. It's heavier before 3 1/2 minutes.This is my favourite of the first 6 songs. "The Hound (Of Blood And Rank)" sounds like THE WHO to start then it kicks in with vocals.This almost sounds like it could have been a single, just not a very good one. We get a guitar solo before 3 minutes. "Feathers" is too commercial sounding. Sure it's catchy but it's too poppy. "The Running Free" opens with riffs that build then it kicks in with vocals. Not a fan of those vocal melodies.

"Mother Superior" is acoustic guitar and reserved vocals early but it does get fuller. Finally we get some heaviness with "Gravemakers & Gunslingers" and the guitar is in our faces too. An uptempo rocker. "Justice In Murder" is excellent as well with the prominant guitar including a solo 3 minutes in. We get a five part suite to end the album called "The End Complete".The songs are seperate though as they don't blend into one another. Part I is intricate guitar as drums and chants join in. A short intro track really. Part II is spacey to start then it kicks in. Nice guitar 3 minutes in. Part III is my favourite song on the album.The vocals get somewhat extreme and the guitar does too. Just a great track. Part IV is an uplifting tune. Part V has strings in it and i'm not a fan of it at all early on. It's better when it kicks in before 4 minutes as contrasts continue.

A good album but not even close to being 4 stars even with a strong second half.