MEAT LOAF - Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose

Meat Loaf elevated the Hard operatic AOR to epic proportions on 1977's classic "Bat Out of Hell" collaboration with songwriter Jim Steinman.
After otherwise lackluster solo efforts, the duo reconnected for the equally colossal 1993 sequel "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell." Drama followed (think songwriting equivalent of a lover's quarrel, custody battle and all), and out of the ashes rises Meat Loaf with "Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose."
The album opens with a Metal-riffy killer penned by Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, Rob Zombie guitarist John 5 (formerly of Marilyn Manson) and songwriting hit-monster Desmond Child, who is responsible for co-writing six of the album's 13 tracks.
Orchestrated by a dream team of modern pop-rock songwriting (D. Child, James Michael, Dianne Warren, Holly Knight and Marti Frederiksen) there's no mistaking that "Blind as a Bat," "Cry Over Me," "Alive" and "If God Could Talk" are the product of songwriting genius, and ideal vehicles for Meat Loaf's booming vocals and over-the-top bravado.
Despite the fact that they weren't written for the album, it's the hand-plucked Steinman tracks that truly shine, packing the above-mentioned vocal bombast with a Broadway-ready musical score. "It's all Coming Back to Me Now" may have been originally recorded by Celine Dion, but recorded as a duet with Marion Raven, Meat Loaf gives it a powerhouse jolt all his own. "Bad for Good" is a bouncing romp that recalls the Steinman and Loaf's historic, rollicking chemistry, "In the Land of the Pig, the Butcher is King" is a hard-rock juggernaut that makes the opener tremble in its wake.
Ultimately, "Monster" makes the grade. This bastard son of "Bat Out of Hell" casts a twisted, brilliant and familiar glow all its own. It's also very long (great for driving), with 14 songs, great value for your money. Grab this album for a new sonic experiance and you will be pleasantly suprised.

9/10