The fourth and final studio album Desperate Years was released in 1992; like its predecessor Powerdrive through Black Dragon Records. On this record, the well-known US metal - even more than on the predecessor - has been replaced by bluesy hard rock. But also in this genre St. Elmos Fire were able to survive. Powerful acoustic ballads like 'Without You' and 'Where Were You' are placed next to cheesy rockers like 'Chain Around My Heart' and 'Part Of My Life' as well as the eight minute-instrumental 'Rivethead Jam'. In songs like 'Hot Time' and the Riot influenced 'This Time' there still can be heard some decent heavy metal influences. On this re-release there are also two bonus tracks: the unreleased 'Summertime Girls' as well as the single track 'Really In Love' from 1984.