Led by guitar virtuoso Joe Sims (Reign, Dream or Nightmare), these Ohio natives released two underground classics in 'Blessing in the Skies' (1987) and 'Death Before Dishonor' (1990) before changing names to The Awakening and Inner Terror. Now Axemaster is back with a third album and first for the Pure Steel label. These are mid-tempo power punches that are elevated by newcomer Geoff McGraw's solid vocal performance. The busy percussion, gang vocals and quicker pace never waver from the red, white and bruise intensity. This is metal for metal's sake, skillfully played and polished with an old school approach.