"Belladonna's" second "solo" release, and first for DeRock records, "Spells Of Fear," is a definite evolution from his past work. Having recruited a new band of accomplished musicians that features guitarist extraordinaire Peter Scheithauer recently of Stream, and Stet Howland from the W.A.S.P. camp, "Belladonna's" retained a solid blend of prior metal influences and mixed 'em with a crude form of production-performance by an obviously "still green" Joey himself. In drawing comparisons to his earlier achievements, there really are few to be made. "Anthrax" fans might be expecting the voice of such "hits" as "Madhouse" and "Indians," to build on the nostalgia trip that the 80's metal resurgence has afforded the best of yesteryear to fall back into, but such is not the case here. If anything, "Belladonna's" newest record leans slightly toward the direction his former mosh-crazed counterparts have dived into. It must be understood that I did say "slightly," and less patterned after his self-titled, straight ahead metal release from a few years back.

Scheithauer's guitar chops are immense, and he does possess a certain flare for working over the fretboard that's refreshing to hear today, and everybody who's familiar with the latest music from W.A.S.P. couldn't have missed the stellar drum machine-like engine that Howland operates behind the kit. Add to this new bassist, Fleisch, who's pronounced basslines provide a raw upheaval between "Belladonna's" sharp vocal octaves, and the tuned-down crunch of the guitar that presents more of a doom-like atmosphere, and you get a pretty clear idea of how this album pre-dates anything "Belladonna's" done before.

In listening to songs like "Face You," where every place he looks, he "has to," and "Lost Control," it's easy to hear how this album was constructed from a point of view that's profoundly self-reflective or personal in nature. The songs generally range from low-paced and moody to edgy and intensive, and for the most part, build on the strong points of "Belladonna" - both as a songwriter and a smooth vocalist. I think if we could leave out songs five through eight, the leftover remains would have the makings of a high impact success. "Spells Of Fear," nonetheless, is a step forward for the band in musical prowess, and takes the "Belladonna" style of metal to a new level.