Dark & glamorous metal from the Helsinki Vampires!
Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 09/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Back in blood" is the brand new album from Goth rockers "The 69 eyes". Although I have been aware of the existence and activity of the band I never bought/heard any of their albums as the European stereotype of the Helsinki vampires was that of a Gothic rock group, a sound which I am not really familiar with. Never the less the album sticker on the ltd edition labeled them primarily as Glam metal so it obviously worth a shot.
It was really surprising to witness how much of a glam metal band these guys are; the compositions are solid, and the performances are very organic including all the characteristics of a proper hard rock band. It is true however that the bass vocals are likely to tire someone inexperienced in the Goth rock vocal sound. Overall the album delivers quite a number of substantial dark glam tunes such as, "Hunger" "Dead `n gone", "Back in blood", the super dark/melodic "Night Watch" and "Dead girls are easy" which also made for a fantastic promo video.
It is very rewarding to hear that the band is a genuine glam metal outfit simply because they are heavy, flash and fun (with a dark sense of humor one has to admit). Never the less it has to be said that beyond the excitement of discovering a quality glam metal band "Back in blood" held few surprises ( not as many drum breaks/improvisations, while the guitar solos could have been more intense which would also add to the atmosphere of the release).
Above all a rewarding album for glam metal/hard rock fans! I would have given the album five stars for the surprise alone but in the meantime I also got their 2004 release "Devils" which I found even more appealing.
The limited edition comes in a book-like case with the addition of a live, 13-track DVD recorded at "Whiskey a Go Go" which is a good opportunity for new fans to become more familiar with the band's back catalogue.
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