Occult Rock
Nuclear Blast
Release Date – January 26th 2024
Line Up:
Johanna Platow Andersson – Vocals
Martin Nordin – Guitar
Linus Bjorklund – Guitar
Harald Gothblad – Bass
Nicke Andersson – Drums/Guitar
Tracklist:
1 – Fallen Angel
2 – At The Mortuary
3 – Riding Reaper
4 – Slow Dance In A Crypt
5 – A Coffin Has No Silver Lining
6 – Maculate Heart
7 – The Dead Don’t Speak
8 – Strange Sisters
9 – Nothing Left To Lose But My Life
In the vast landscape of contemporary music, few bands dare to carve out a distinct sonic realm that’s uniquely theirs. Enter Lucifer, a band that undeniably possesses its own unmistakable sound, as evident in their fifth album of dark, melodic occult rock. The immediacy of their music hits you, and yet, there’s a noticeable shift in the guitar tone—now heavier and grittier. Nicke Andersson’s drums take center stage, more pronounced than ever. Amidst this transformation, the constant remains: Johanna Sadonis’ hauntingly beautiful, clean vocals.
The journey begins with the opener, ‘Fallen Angel,’ echoing a Thin Lizzy/early Maiden vibe with sensational twin guitar harmonies. Ever been in a morgue? Not the coziest place, I assure you. However, Lucifer manages to turn it into a happening spot on ‘At The Mortuary.’ Johanna’s voice beckons and entices, leading you in. Then, halfway through, they pivot to a spooky and sinister ambiance with a haunting organ before seamlessly returning to the original groove.
The musical tapestry unfolds with more twin guitar wizardry in the steady rocker ‘Riding Reaper,’ followed by a shift to a slower, bluesier pace in the aching torch song ‘Slow Dance In A Crypt.’ ‘A Coffin Has No Silver Lining’ channels the spirit of NWOBHM, featuring catchy melodies and captivating harmonies. The acoustic intro of ‘Maculate Heart’ sets a contemplative mood until Nicke sparks a tempo change, launching the band into a dark, melodic boogie.
‘The Dead Don’t Speak’ wastes no time in establishing its groove, reminiscent of the ’70s—picture Sabbath backing the singers from ABBA! It’s an unexpected fusion that undeniably works. ‘Strange Sister’ unfolds as a serious gothic glam, bouncing along on Harald Gotthblad’s solid bassline, ultimately leading to the final dark lament of ‘Nothing Left To Lose But My Life.’
Lucifer has once again crafted a musical gem, a release brimming with catchy melodies against a backdrop of darkness and heaviness. Picture it: colossal riffs, pounding rhythms, dazzling axework, and those radiant clean vocals that beckon you into their world. Scheduled for release late January, it’s shaping up to be a stellar kickoff to 2024 – Happy New Year!
Written by: Smudge
Ratings: 9/10
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