Many people were left feeling a little disappointed after the release of Empire, but to be honest any 'disappointment' is always both amplified and blown out of proportion in a follow up to a desert island album. And was I one of them?

Perhaps I was because Empire has never quite grabbed me like the previous Mindcrime album did and despite a fantastic title track, this is a little bit of a letdown although I was some what prepared for one.

I have heard this release being called 'radio friendly' and whether or not that was the intention I'm not sure, but I suppose any period rock album without a concept would always have be heading that way, and while no new ground was created by the band, there is one gem which is on offering. That gem, Silent Lucidity is a fantastic power ballad resplendent with all the heavy guitar, mellow vocals and a wonderful string symphony backing.

Along with the title track those are the two main highlights within an album which isn't really much of a step forward, but a solid release albeit overshadowed by its predecessor.