Shakra is a band I discovered a few years ago and quickly fell in love with. Their guitarist/producer has a knack for great riff-driven songs and that's what they've been doing for years. Just riff after catchy riff with a great crunchy distortion sound and the trademark raspy vocals of Mark Fox. I can't say this is much different from their previous releases, but then again, I would be upset if it was. Shakra is as consistent as they come and while Everest doesn't necessarily break any new ground, it doesn't disappoint either. The riffs are razor sharp, the production is crystal clear and the melodies will stick in your head for days. If you didn't like them before, this cd won't change your mind, but then again if you didn't like them before, you're an idiot, so who cares what you think? Seriously though, for straight forward hard rock, you can't beat this band. If you haven't heard them already, this is a great place to start. This one is a keeper. --Scott