Released by Love & War Records
Release Date: July 20, 2010
Genre: Hard Rock/Progressive
Links: www.myspace.com/lillianaxe
Links: www.lillianaxe.com
Line Up:
Steve Blaze – Lead guitar, backing vocals, keyboards
Derrick LeFevre – Lead vocals
Sam Poitevent – Guitar, vocals
Eric Morris – Bass
Ken Koudelka – Drums
Tracklist:
01. Under The Same Moon
02. 47 Ways To Die
03. The Quenching Of Human Life
04. A Minute Of Years
05. Nobody Knows
06. The Day I Met You
07. Sad Day On Planet Earth
08. Nocturnal Symphony
09. Deep Red Shadows
I guess if you we’re expecting the happy glam days of Lillian Axe circa Love+War then you will be in for a surprising shock and disappointment. No this is not the same band from the 80’s and let’s face it you can only look at it two ways, you either like it or you don’t. After the departed longtime singer Ron Taylor split the band around 2000 after the come back reunion, well Blaze and the boys decided to take a different musical approach. As a reviewer I have to approach music as open minded as I can, why? well you can be too subjective the fact the band is still around making music today has to worth something right?
Lillian Axe 2010 is a progressive mix of hard rock and rock elements unlike they band’s has ever played in the past and of course the natural feeling for some longtime fans it’s going to be a little hard to swallow at first, but on the other hand the band is back and now releasing their 9th release in “Deep Red Shadows” and still have something new albeit different to offer.
First thing is first, Derrick LeFevre left the band just after the album vocals we’re completed, stating he did not want to tour with the band anymore later to be replaced by the current vocalist Ronny Munroe (ex Metal Church). A little shocking because he’s a great vocalist and fitted the band’s style quite well, even with the new musical direction. Well let’s dig into the opener “Under The Same Moon” which is based on a guy who has been bitten by a vampire and the consequences of this eventful day. I know try not to laugh, I’m not quite sure about the lyrics and concept but the music is not bad at all, I mean is a bit melancholy, sounds like a softer version of Redemption, I’ve never thought I associate the label progressive with Lillian Axe, but on this record is an appropriate pattern. Steve Blaze is his usual self on some of the cuts, with an interesting array of solos and leads that at least make the sound interesting on some levels.
The latter part of the record is recompiled of some of the band’s past acoustic cuts, which add a different take on the overall feel of the record. The record has not been well received along hardcore fans, but you know the truth is that they are involving musically and have set a foundation for future recordings. No is not the classic sound that made them known and still underrated to this day, but you have to look at it from this perspective, with as many lineup changes and diversity of influences of the years, you have to try to stay relevant somehow. Unfortunately the creative process here won’t be accepted by everybody but that’s part of being a musician. Let’s hope with new singer and new label in place that the band can sit down and carefully craft the next record which is in production as we speak.
Written by Denys
Ratings Denys 7/10
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