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When I reviewed Sparta's Welcome to Hell I concluded by hoping the next release would be more consistent. 2016 brought forth No Retreat No Surrender and it is more consistent, as in consistently not as good. The album was self-released by the band with a dry, muted sound that robs the songs of energy, songwriting that is average with the exception of "Lords of Time", which dates back to 1981 and recaptures some of the old NWOBHM fire, and vocals with more than a couple of sour notes. There are some decent tracks such as the title track and "We Are Gods" which have driving traditional riffs and sound like they had the potential to kick ass if the production hadn't thrown a wet blanket over them and the choruses were less repetitive. On the other hand, Sparta again hit us with an egregiously 80s Hard Rock song, "Stand Up for Heavy Rock and Metal" that is unlistenable. The guitars are a bright spot, especially the lead work which had me thinking of bands like Battleaxe. There are flashes of the Heavy Metal these guys seem capable of but they are few and far between. No Retreat No Surrender is not great and Sparta can do better.