The German melodic metal outfit's fourth studio release features their usual winning formula for writing solid rock with heavy hooklines and catchy harmonies… only, it's taking me some time and still I can't draw a comparison with who they sound like!

With all of the pop/metal type stuff of the past and apparently still going strong in many an outside market, it should be fairly easy to pin down this music but so far the only thing popping into my mind is Alias… and here's to hoping it withdraws equally as quickly!

Fair Warning's got this subtle charm about them where you'd almost feel remorseful to classify them as a metal band-strong rock, yes, with a hard edge, daring delivery and I believe the one stand out quality here are the arrangements, while still pretty obtuse and formulaic, there's a heightened sense of awareness within the songs that make "Heart on the Run," "Through the Fire" and "Forever" soar just a little bit higher than previous attempts at AOR's warm market.

The background effects of the pronounced keyboards oftentimes bring about a middle-eastern feel and the work of guitarist Helge Engelke is top notch-but they're German so we knew that already!

Strong sense of backing vocals, majestic in how they engulf the chorus and nearly swallow it up before smoothly setting forth to the bridge-line and solo. Another quality effort here though there are a few slips along the thirteen "steps" from beginning to end… and here's to hoping their fans don't adopt that fingered symbol from the front cover as a show of respect at the shows or something... that would be too funny!

Released by Frontiers Records

Review by Vinnie Apicella