Powerhouse vocalist Johanna Sadonis is certainly dedicated, through numerous line-up changes and turmoil she has remained true to the cause and continued the high quality heavy rock that she forged on Lucifer’s first two albums. Now, with an all-Swedish backing she is releasing the third album called III. I have heard this called “occult rock” and the titles may lead you that way but first and foremost it is quality heavy rock melody by the bucket load from vocals and instruments alike.
Opener, ‘Ghosts’ sets the template with great riffs, solos and imaginative structure that ranges from Priest through to Velvet Underground, particularly on the bridge. ‘Leather Demon’ has its gentle verses, symphonic choruses and some tasty guitar work. ‘Lucifer’ starts with a suitable goat bleat, before the riff kicks in and the melodic vocals engage. ‘Coffin Fever’ has Sabbath guitar and, despite the subject matter, heavenly vocals.‘Flanked By Snakes’ is blues-rock of a heavy and high standard. ‘Stay Astray’ is more riffy blues with some delightful wah’d guitar. Closing track, ‘Cemetery Eyes’ is the longest and, for me, the best. It has a subtle, laid back start that builds into symphonic song with bite.
This is a high quality melodic rock/metal album that shows how Johanna has developed and, with the band in tow, improved on the previous albums. There isn’t a filler on it and, if this line up stays together, the next one will be even better.
