Stephen Treat is back in business with the classic line-up in 2006 when they released the compilation "Weapons of Choice" followed by an invitation to held up a triumphant concert in front of 4.000 cheering crowd at the Sweden Rock Festival. After another couple years of writing, "Coup de Grace" was finished and released in 2010, commemorating the band's 25 years anniversary and the first studio album in 18 years. Their musical direction is still classic AOR roots, but this time, they empowered their music with a hard rock and melodic metal edge, sitting on top of a modernized-sounding riffage platform. The sound production which was handled by guitarist Anders Wikstrom himself is excellent and ultimately satisfying.

The hard thing to do when you listen to this album is to pick which track is weak because each song has its own strength and sounded different. "The War Is Over" sets up the mood very well with its bombastic chorus, "All In" and "Paper Tiger" kick in with a furious riffs and glorious chorus, "Roar" is an uptempo rockers in the veins of modern Bon Jovi, "A Life To Die For" is such an emotional ballad that could shed tears to thousands of women. "Skies of Mongolia" is another example of melodic rock perfection, "No Way Without You" possessed a huge sing-along chorus, and the best track of the album, "We Own The Night", is an absolute winner with a soaring harmonic vocals and heavenly chorus that's inspired by Def Leppard's hit, "Hysteria". Just when you think the greatness of this album was over, they still give you the enchanting "All For Love" and the upbeat crunchy rocker "Breathless".

If you like modern AOR/melodic rock bands such as H.E.A.T, Brother Firetribe, or The Poodles, "Coup de Grace" can be easily digested, but for those who favor the real classic 80s style might find this a bit patchy or too modern. However, with killer compositions like these, after multiple listens, I can guarantee that "Coup de Grace" will be a huge grower. To me, this is a mighty comeback and could be their masterpiece to date as well as one of the greatest releases of 2010.