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War of the Roses is the third album from Sweden's Running Wild-worshipping Blazon Stone and boy have they hit their stride with this one. Cederick Forsberg has achieved an absolutely wicked guitar tone (along with handing all the other instruments on the album) and new singer Erik Forsberg is a find with a strong, clear voice perfectly suited to the music. The songwriting is top-notch with fantastic riffs and exciting solos. The lyrics aren't limited to pirates, though "Black Dawn of the Crossbones" certainly pays homage to the classic Running Wild albums Under Jolly Roger, Port Royal, et al. There are songs about World War I ("Lusitania"), the conquest of South America ("Mask of Gold") and the turmoil of the British monarchy ("War of the Roses"), giving the album a genuine diversity. Everything speeds along, as good Power Metal should, with plenty of opportunities to sing along with the choruses before whipping out the air guitar for a sweet lead. Yeah, this one's pretty much got it all so if you miss old Running Wild, Helloween, Blind Guardian, etc., and who doesn't, this one is a mandatory purchase.