After the long awaiting for 12 years after the second Bat out of Hell, Bat Out Of Hell III has finally released in UK (Oct 23) and will be released in US, October 31). With all legal issues surrounding around this album, Meatload finally has a legal permission from his Bat Out Of Hell II's producer, Jim Steinman to release this album using the name "Bat Out Of Hell" and Steinman's past works.

Without Steinman, Meatloaf went ahead and hired Desmond Child ( Cher , Michael Bolton , Aerosmith , Bon Jovi , Alice Cooper , KISS , Ricky Martin , Roxette) as this album producer and picked some of older Steinman's songs to form the album. The results, well, like you are watching Starwar without George Lucus as director. The album comes short in term of production and balance.

"The Monster is Loose" offers a grindingly metallic riff-rocker which seems not fit quite well with the whole melodic of the song. "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," written with Meat in mind (at least according to the singer) but originally recorded by Celine Dion. Meatloaf tries to achieve his epic opera like musics in this album (again); unfortunately, the whole production seems to be overload with his voice and his style of shifting tone music throughout this entile album making the whole album quite a bit boring when you listen to the whole album at the same time.

Overall, this is considered as a good album from Meatloaf, but not superb. Songs in the album are well written and composed but seem to have a trouble in execution. The bat might not be completely out of hell yet, that barbarian (Steinman) on motorcycle might still hold it at the gate of the hell. This album should be entitled "Meatloaf: Bat Still in Hell!".

Track of "Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster is Loose"

Overall

Positive: This album is quite well mixed and produced. Meatloaf still delivers his signature opera-like voice and sound. Another great collection for Meatloaf fans.

Negative: Unfortunately, this album comes up short. The production is not quite as good as Bat II. Sound is ok but seems to be over power and not smooth.