Unholy have matured to a certain degree on their second album. While it is very much in the similar, lunatic vein as "From The Shadows," the compositions acquired somewhat more cohesion and consummation, so the band felt comfortable enough to recruit a guest female vocalist and make more prominent use of keyboards. There also appeared traces of hypnotic quiescence ('Dreamside' for example) that can be witnessed much more emphatically on "Rapture."

Overall, "The Second Ring Of Power" is a convincing sophomore effort. Everyone who appreciated the delicious insanity of Unholy's classic debut should not miss out on this gem. One particular song that I wanted to single out is the closing track aptly titled "Serious Personality Disturbance and Deep Anxiety," which I can describe as the musical equivalent of a day spent amongst patients of a mental institution.

© 2000 boris