Some reguard this as their magnum Opus, others reguard this disc as pure crap. But what is the real truth about this cd, by a band that has been the main focus of musical jokes and ridicule since the early 90s. This band, who's members were beloved metal gods one day and wake up the next to find their reputations ruined by a mere cartoon show broadcast on the very channel that hyped their videos and made them stars. How could after all this bad publicity, that anyone would even consider giving their past efforts a second chance?

The verdict... this album is actually good. Yes, its true. However, the first time I heard it, I couldn't get over how bad it was. I bought the Winger releases in order of their release. "Pull" was their final one, with "S/T" being the first. Once I got to "Pull", I hated it, for the lack of the "Winger" sound, so dominate on the first release, or the mixture of 'quick fix', over produced metal material, which was heavy on the keyboards, electric guitars and an overall huge sound, which most of the bands adopted during that era thanks to advancements in technology and seeking to appeal to both the metal and more pop oriented markets. "Pull" is rawer, with much more clangy acoustic guitar than I normally like, and too many other influences. I shelved the album for quite awhile, allowing it to collect dust, and pulled it back out much later, and gave it a spin, much to my surprise, I enjoyed it.

The opening song, "Blind Revolution Mad", after it gets going, is a solid hard rock tune, with interesting lyrics, and an addictive quality that makes you keep listening to it over and over again. "Down Incognito" is this 3rd album's "Can't Get Enuff" (a tune from their 2nd release). My only complaint is the harmonica sections. "Spell Im Under" is a beautiful ballad, Kip Winger's vocals sound especially rich. The lyrics are pretty, and it has a distinct sound. There is plenty going on in the background, but it gives the illusion of being more stripped than what it is. Nice. "In My Veins" has a heavy bottom end, in your face vocals, and lyrics that just simply lay it on the line. The building guitar on the chorus, played by Reb Beach is rather interesting. "Junkyard Dog" on the other hand is pure crap. Its a really heavy song, with almost grunge influences, and distorted vocals and it just plain sucks. There are no other words to describe this bottom of the barrel, throwaway, nothing of a song. "The Lucky One" is simply a delicate little ballad, that begins with this wailing that reminds me of dolphins or something crying. Gentle acoustic guitar passages, exchange for a larger chorus with full drums and electric. The lyrics are of note as well. "In For the Kill" and especially "No Man's Land" are classic Winger tracks. Fans of their earlier works will be all over these like they are going out of style. Lots of guitar, memorable hooks to just groove out on, and nice musical backbones, that support the songs beautifully. No doubt about, two of the best tracks on here. "Like a Ritual" is an attempt at recording a sexual-charged, slinky and sexy kind of thing. It passes as that just barely, and has an almost 'tribal drum' flavor in parts. Some of the lyrics are kind of ick, especially the line "Like a dog eatin' dirty pudding"...oh yeah... true genius *cough cough* The cd ends with an acoustic tune that is pretty boring in my opinion, but it does wind things down.

Overall, this disc isn't that bad, although there are glaring incidents where it could have been better. The songs that are really good, "Spell I'm Under", "The Lucky One", "In For the Kill", and "No Man's Land" especially are worth the price of picking up the disc. Fans of Y&T, Dokken and the like will enjoy this cd. However, those searching for their next power - prog metal fix, better pass this one up, which is pretty much obvious.

Rating - 6.8
by Alanna Evans

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