For a band that started back in the eighties you would think that MASS would have laid down their guns by now but as they push onto everlasting life MASS hit back and hit back hard with their latest title “Sea Of Black”. I’ve never been a fan of MASS and that’s not because of their music it’s because I really never had a chance to put the headphones on and really delve into the soul of the band.

The opening track “Falling From Grace” is a blast of fresh air and with vocalist Louis D'Augusta reminiscent of Tony Mills (TNT/ SERPENTINE) how can they be denied stature? Just sit back and listen, this is pure in your face rock with a Christian flare. Good songwriting and amazing musicianship with talent way above the norm. Track two, “The Right Side”, has a memorizing aura of greats such as DIO, JUDAS PRIEST, LEGS DIAMOND and at times LED ZEPPELIN. Now that’s talent!

MASS fire up the acoustics on “All The Years Gone” and what an amazing track my favorite on the disc masterful, sensitive and classic. Kinda has a taste of TRIXTER at times and this is what music is all about as they hit the home run ball on this one.

Check out the slashing solos on “Thru The Rain” Gene D'Itria screams for attention and demands to be noticed! The songs are unbelievable lyrically and musically and flow extremely well. You would figure some metal fans might shun MASS because of the Christian tag and their songs do follow that path but they will be missing a spectacular release if they do. I am so impressed with “Sea Of Black” I’m going to have to go back and check out past releases by MASS.

“Coming Home” has a bit of country flare yet holds that rock edge. Louis D'Augusta is stunning vocally and the songs have that classic Eighties feel yet they can stand the test of time.

“All That I Needed” is another killer track that pumps the level of adrenalin to new heights. Joey "Vee" Vadala, with his rolling drums and the heartbeat of Michael Palumbo’s bass lines make MASS a real entity.

If you want a soft heart-breaker then check out “More Than A Friend”; tears might flow so be strong.

Probably the heaviest track on the disc is “Justify” as Gene D'Itria goes off just enough but still show tasteful chops. Another amazing track!!!

To round out the album you get another soft rocker with “Till We Meet Again” as it sets the right mood to mellow into the abyss but then you are awakened by the title track “Sea Of Black” that has a LED ZEPPELIN meets DIO-ish essence. It has that great beat that will raise the fists in the power of MASS!

This is an outstanding release and a great introduction to the band for me.