Masquerade was released October 30, 1995 and is the worst selling of all the RW albums. It is a very solid album like all of theirs up to this point, but it may have been seen as a letdown following the jam-packed Black Hand Inn. According to Wikipedia, this album began a trio of releases which took on a good versus evil theme. Usually these concepts escape me as I’m just listening for powerful, kick-ass tracks.
My favorite ones off this album are “Demonized,” “Lions of the Sea,” “Rebel at Heart,” “Metalhead,” and “Men in Black.” “Black Soul” is also a highlight with the pounding drums. “Men in Black” was immediately memorable because of its catchy opening riff/chorus. That song was definitely considered for my vote. “Lions of the Sea” is the total package. The opening has a haunting beauty and then it bursts into a furious, powerful rocker. It also has a catchy chorus. That song almost got my vote, but “Rebel at Heart” is catchy as heck and the part of the guitar solo beginning at 3:16 sealed the deal.