If you like Female-Fronted Rock, then this is definitely for you.

Female-fronted hard rockers Xelerate hail from Norway and this is their second album following the band's delightfully titled 2012 debut 'Shitkickers'. Being a fan of Female-Fronted Rock, I was keen to see what the group had to offer as I was not familiar with their first release.

The opener 'Feel The Flame' kicks off with a heavy guitar intro that leads into a fast-paced hard rocker, but it's still quite melodic due to a guitar riff that will quickly stick in your head. This theme continues with 'Bring Me One Alive' which is another rocker and once again it's a catchy song with the guitars at the fore. 'Game Changer' follows this pair and it completes an opening hat-trick of quality Hard Rock tracks.

The record's pace then changes via the excellent lone ballad 'Far From A Game'; this is one of the best ballads I have heard in a long time and it really showcases the excellent vocals of Gry Anita. The only comparison I can think of is Amy Lee and that can't be a bad thing. Without a doubt, this song is a real highlight. The band's versatility is shown with 'What You Wanna Do' which is quite a modern, funky sounding track, but it works really well and is very enjoyable.

The group revert back to Hard Melodic Rock for the album's three closing tracks with the final number 'No Sleep For The Wicked' being the heaviest; it's a real foot-to-the-floor rocker and a great closer. The guitar work of Torgeir Berge Sjolingstad is a real joy to hear throughout the release, but in particular on this song.

The only negative for me is the length of the record at just over thirty minutes and eight tracks. However, it is short and sweet, and this release has been a pleasant surprise. If you like Female-Fronted Rock, then this is definitely for you and I will certainly be watching how the band develop in the future.

Richard Epps