Search - Sister Sin :: Switchblade Serenades

Refreshing new band

GuardianDevil | Japan | 05/05/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Sister Sin by accident, and although it took me some time to get used to singer Liv's vocals, I was glad that I had found this new band. Although they aren't reinventing the wheel, they do offer something different and refreshing from the mass of female fronted metal/rock bands out today. Sister Sin is essentially a band paying homage to hard rock/80's metal. To me, most bands that play music reminiscent of past eras aren't that appealing, but I think Sister Sin is going in the right direction, as they are trying to define an original sound while wearing their influences on their sleeves.



The music is great, but the band are not the greatest musicians. Instead, I think what makes this band and this album stand out is the attitude, aggression, emotion, and drive which are present throughout the whole time and creates their recognizable sound. Liv is not an amazing singer, but her voice is unique, and part of the reason she sounds so different from many female singers in metal or rock is the ferocity and attitude that she delivers (without having to resort to sounding like a man). However, some songs, namely the title track, has Liv showing that she can sing in a softer and lower range. I am looking forward to her developing her vocals on their next album!



Lots of nice catchy songs, but the highlights of Switchblade Serenades are the title track, "Hostile/Violent," and "On Parole," despite it being a single and all. I do think some songs are a bit over-indulgent and sound rather cocky, like "Breaking New Ground" but it doesn't lessen the appeal of the band over all. There isn't that much variety on the album; most songs are 3 to 4 minutes long and follow a similar formula. I really do wish that the guitarists go beyond just mimicing the chorus of each song, and think of some original riffs, as I can only find maybe one or two of those on the album. Not too much technicality on here either.



I think with a bit of growth, this band could be great. For now, they've got some catchy, aggressive tunes different from the prevalent sound of metal and rock today, and I hope they get more recognition over the years as I believe they deserve it."

Take a chance, you won't regret!

Jamie Kenworthy | Laughlin, NV USA | 01/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had my doubts when I saw this in the store, but it looked interesting, so I took a chance and bought it. But from the first few moments of the opening song, I was hooked! I can't believe that I let this simmering slab of rock sit on my counter for a couple weeks before I had a chance to give it a listen! This band is smokin' hot! They bring back the sound from the prime-time days of 80's rock with a vengenence! Every song kicks booty, but the stand-out songs are "On Parole" and "Switchblade Serenade" followed closely by "Hostile-Violent" amd "Love/Hate" I've had this cd spinning in my player for over a month now, and haven't tired of it yet! Pick this album up, these guys (and girl) are awesome!"