Review by Lydia Evans for MPM
Lucifer returned with their fifth album, Lucifer V, on 26 January. The multinational heavy metal band, originally hailing from Berlin and now based in Stockholm, is currently composed of frontwoman Johanna Sadonis, guitarists Martin Nordin and Linus Björklund, bassist Harald Göthblad, and drummer Nicke Andersson.
The nine-track album has a vintage, macabre feel about it. From the catchy riffs to the spooky song titles and lyrics, it mixes gothic with retro-inspired metal well.
The song titles in specific are witty, bringing that element of the occult in. This album has a clear theme to it – everything is successfully cohesive. Anyone who loves their rock and metal with a touch of magic and
old-school sound will certainly enjoy this album.
The album opens with Fallen Angel, a song with a seventies rock feel to it. This sets the tone for what the album will be and sound like, and it’s a solid opening track.
At The Mortuary has an eerie feel with swagger guitars, a haunting guitar solo and thunderous bass. With lyrics of “there is no shame to put your arms around a memory”, it keeps the theme of darkness, love, and
necromance.
Third track Riding Reaper has that retro metal vibe to it with steady drums and a catchy riff. Slow Dance In A Crypt really sounds like a heavy metal slow dance – harmonic guitar work, old school sounding guitars and vocals showing off the versatility and soft side of Johanna Sadonis.
A Coffin Has No Silver Lining has a captivating riff and chorus with moments of eerie, warped vocals that really fit the theme.
Maculate Heart is one of the record’s heavier tracks, starting with acoustic guitars but exploding into heavy drums and vocals.
The track is one of my favourites, with Sadonis belting “bring it on” and showing off her range. The Dead Don’t Speak and Strange Sister both have booming riffs,heavy bass and piercing and edgy guitar solos.
The album finishes with Nothing Left To Lose But My Life. It has a slower swagger to it, rhythm section keeping it steady as lead guitar shows off.
Something I enjoy about Lucifer is their clear influence of 1960s and 1970s rock, but they still bring something new. You can listen to this album mixed into a playlist of Black Sabbath and Heart, but it’s fresh.
The band is currently on their Satanic Panic tour of Europe throughout February, and will be performing at the Ultimate Rock Fest in September
LUCIFER V – Tracklist
- Fallen Angel
- At The Mortuary
- Riding Reaper
- Slow Dance in A Crypt
- A Coffin Has No Silver Lining
- Maculate Heart
- The Dead Don’t Speak
- Strange Sister
- Nothing Left To Lose But My Life
AVAILABLE FORMATS:
Gatefold LP | CD | Cassette | Digital Album
Follow LUCIFER:
Instagram: / lucifertheband
Facebook: / luciferofficial
Twitter: / lucifertheband
YouTube: http://nblast.de/LuciferYTsub
Music, Merch, Tour & More: https://www.lucifer.church
