Label: Self Release
Genre: Dead Metal
Line Up:
Max Murder – Lead Vocals
RIP Junk – Guitar, Back Up Vocals
Damien Deathgasm – Bass, Back Up Vocals
Muerto McBrains – Drums, Synth/FX Programming
Tracklist:
1. Just Keep Digging (1:04)
2. Feeding Frenzy (3:49) ft. guest vocals Morgan Lander (Kittie) and voice-over by Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead)
3. Don’t Go Out Tonight (3:06)
4. Fight to Survive (3:53) ft. voice-over by Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star-Trek)
5. A Waste of Good Suffering (3:55)
6. The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) (4:51)
7. Breaking News (0:58)
8. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Cover) (4:19)
9. The Ballad of Father Malone (4:11) ft. voice-over by Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Escape From New York)
10. Brundlefly (4:34)
11. Damien (5:11)
12. Be My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) (Bonus Track) (3:59)
13. The Band of the Living Dead (0:30)
14. The Key of Death (0:43)
Upon encountering the debut album Songs In The Key Of Death by a renowned heavy metal band, one is immediately drawn into a realm of anticipation and excitement. The album’s premise, involving its burial in a graveyard following the band’s demise during recording, sets a compelling stage for what unfolds. The opening sequence, akin to a captivating prologue, effortlessly commands attention, foreshadowing an immersive musical journey.
The hypothetical scenario of unearthing and appropriating the album prompts contemplation, underscoring its allure and the intrigue surrounding its mythical origins.
Blood Opera, the band in focus, evokes a fusion of influences reminiscent of Blue Öyster Cult, Mayhem, and King Diamond, resulting in a sonorous blend that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. The inclusion of news flashes within the tracks, reminiscent of established stylistic choices by artists such as Lordi, contributes to the album’s narrative depth, enriching its thematic exploration of horror cinema.
Noteworthy is the band’s rendition of The Dickies‘ ‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space‘, a homage to the 80s cult classic film, showcasing their adeptness at reinterpretation while paying homage to seminal works.
Further elevating the album’s stature are guest appearances by esteemed figures such as Tony Todd, renowned for his portrayal of Candyman, whose contributions imbue tracks like ‘Be My Victim‘ and ‘Don’t Go Out Tonight‘ with added gravitas. Similarly, tracks like ‘Fight To Survive‘ adeptly reference iconic horror films such as ‘Maniac’ and ‘The Hills Have Eyes’, demonstrating the band’s nuanced engagement with the genre.
The meticulous attention to detail evident in the album’s conceptualization, content curation, artistic presentation, and collaborative endeavors underscores the dedication of its creators. Special mention must be made of contributors such as Adrienne Barbeau, whose involvement in ‘The Ballad of Father Malone‘, inspired by John Carpenter’s ‘The Fog’, exemplifies the caliber of talent involved.
In acknowledgment of the collective efforts of RIP Junk (Guitar, Vocals), Damien Deathgasm (Bass, Vocals), Max Murder (Lead Vocals), and Muerto McBrains (Drums, Programming), one cannot help but anticipate the band’s live performances with eager anticipation. As the album draws to a close, the tantalizing prospect of The Band of the Living Dead‘s eventual return serves as a fitting denouement, leaving listeners with a sense of anticipation and intrigue regarding future endeavors.
Reviewed by: Adrian Hextall
Score: 9/10
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