Already a contender for Album Of The Year, 'Earthrage' will be the yardstick that all the other releases will have to measure themselves against.

'Earthrage' is the third outing for Melodic super-group W.E.T. comprising Robert Sall, Erik M�rtensson and Jeff Scott Soto with Robban Back and Magnus Henriksson completing the line-up for this release. The previous W.E.T studio album 'Rise Up' was released in 2014 so it has been quite a wait for this next instalment.

'Watch The Fire' opens the proceedings and what a way to start with the dual vocals of Soto and M�rtensson alternating the lead over the top of a driving rhythm section and a chorus that will be stuck in your head for a long time to come. 'Burn' follows with its soaring keyboards and punchy beat � it's somewhat reminiscent of classic White Sister. 'Kings On Thunder Road' has a chugging guitar riff with keyboard counterpoint intro before opening into the verse; this one has a really catchy memorable chorus which seems to be a feature on most of these tracks.

'Elegantly Wasted' is slower-paced which gives you a chance to catch your breath, while 'Urgent' with its accelerated 'Perfect Strangers'-like riff, 'Dangerous' and 'Calling Out Your Name' complete a fast-paced middle trio. The acoustic ballad 'Heart Is On The Line' then slows proceedings down once again before heading into the final straight with the up-tempo 'I Don't Wanna Play That Game' which features a catchy chorus and some fine guitar work (I swear I can hear some Hooters influences here). This is then followed by the slow building 'The Burning Pain Of Love', a Heart-like track which will surely be the next single. Last but not least, there's 'The Never-Ending Retraceable Dream' with a title line that always sounds like it can't fit the available space.

Soto's voice has never sounded better and the rest of the guys put in what must rank alongside the best work they have ever done. This release continues where the previous album left off with a further eleven tracks of such quality that it makes you wonder how the guys can continue to better every release.

Picking the highlights for this one is difficult due to the quality on offer, but the opening 'Watch The Fire' really scales the heights immediately, with 'Burn' and 'I Don't Wanna Play That Game' keeping you up there. Already a contender for Album Of The Year, 'Earthrage' will be the yardstick that all the other releases will have to measure themselves against.

Chris Mee