This release absolutely needs to be purchased by anyone who reads this magazine or website.

The first time I heard Axe was thirty-odd years ago and I've been a fan ever since. Like many of you, I thought we'd heard the last of them after they released their 'Live At Sweden Rock' CD/DVD in 2012, but now in my thankful hand is a brand-new album entitled 'Final Offering' and I haven't stopped smiling since.

Main-man Bobby Barth called upon old friends and new to participate in the recording sessions, and the result is a pure old-school Hard/Melodic Rock release that anyone of the older persuasion will lap up with glee. You youngsters should also take heed because Barth and his cohorts have recorded a stonkingly good album where not one melody is lost, overplayed or overused, and this makes for a wonderful listening experience every time you play this record.

Opener 'Born To Lose' is pure Axe and you could put this track on any of their albums and it would be a perfect fit. From there we get a masterclass in how to write and perform Melodic Rock music. 'Bad Romance', 'Fire And Stone', 'Make A Dream', 'Where Will You Run To' and 'Money' are all classy slices of Melodic Rock that show just what great song-writing is all about; I guarantee you'll love them all!

However, my favourite tracks are the ones that detail the band's own stories. 'Old Scratch' is about the Devil coming to call on you (see interview for Barth's explanation), whilst 'Land Of Our Fathers' deals with the Native American people and the loss of their lands. My personal choice for the best song goes to the wonderfully emotional 'Road To Damascus', a slow-burning track which explores the idea that no matter what you try in life, maybe you're cursed to return to the same place that you started to repeat the things you've done before. The beautiful way the group tell this story is a delight to hear. Another cut with a deep lyrical meaning is the song entitled 'Ty Ochen' Krasi Vaya' ('You Are So Beautiful') which tells of being smitten by love's arrow and not having that love reciprocated. Finally, there's the stunning 'Years Slip Away', a track about growing older in life and how it naturally comes to an end – this number is pure class.

This release absolutely needs to be purchased by anyone who reads this magazine or website – they don't make albums like this anymore.

Ian Johnson