Stephen
After almost 30 years playing hard rock, Victory signals their fans that 'Don't Talk Science' might be their swan song. I truly hope that's not true because I spotted a glowing strength on the new singer, Jioti Parcharidis, blending perfectly with what they created in this album since 2009. It's been two years under the radar for the band until Golden Core decided to unearth this release and despite some filler that's been plaguing the bottom-half, this is simply a phenomenal release.
'Restless', 'Speak Up', and 'Rockstar' are three massive opener. The riffs are mind blowing, wrapped in a pumping-tempo atmosphere, and you just can't get the chorus off of your head. 'Down Load Down', despite its weird title, contained a brilliant arrangement. 'Go To Hell' and 'I'm So Excited' are competing for "the best riffs pattern" of this album with the former is a more of a furious heavy metal while the other is a shrill melodic track.
'Blinded By Darkness' is a slowtempo filler and I find 'No Return' and 'Waiting For The Wind' aren't very much different. Those are the weakspot that you need to avoid, but the rest such as the Whitesnake feel of 'Burn Down The City' or the Dio touch at 'Victim of Lies' are pretty good, and the solos are sensational as well.
The production is great and shame on those fillers, this could be a five-stars if they're more careful with the song picking. Sad to say but if this is truly their last, I have nothing to say but thank you for such a wonderful album!