ALBUM REVIEW: Revelations Of The Sacred Skull – Lüger

It has been five long years since Montreal-based group LÜGER released their debut full-length Hellraisers Of The Waste, with the band filling the gap with their first EP Cosmic Horror back in 2020. Gaining inspiration for their name from the lethal weapon of the same title, it is clear that LÜGER are here to cause some serious damage. Successfully fusing together classic rock ‘n’ roll with metal and punk influences, it is certain that this band are not taking any prisoners with their wild and ferocious attitude. LÜGER are now set to release their follow-up studio album Revelations Of The Sacred Skull, which is due to arrive this Friday via Heavy Psych Sounds.

The opening track is Black Acid, which starts off on an intriguing note with blaring police siren sound effects and the voiceover of presumably the person running from the cops taking the lead. Before too long, some powerful instrumentals and vocals from Jim Laflamme hit our eardrums. This track sounds a lot like similar bands in the genre, yet the impactful guitar riffs courtesy of Alex Bigras manage to grab the listener’s attention. It has to be said that the ending is also rather impressive.

Motörcity Hellcats is up next, which appears to be an indirect nod to fellow metallers MOTÖRHEAD. Despite the notable influence, the song is ultimately a little snooze worthy, with nothing to really distinguish it from the last. Night Of The Serpent Woman contains some more 70s-influenced instrumentals, which sound pretty effective. However, it has to be said that this track just goes on for far too long at a total of six minutes and 20 seconds.

The Sacred Skull successfully changes things up in a way you might not have expected. The introduction features some eerie sound effects which almost resemble an air raid siren going off. It does a great job of providing the listener with some intrigue and curiosity. Unfortunately, that is the only exciting thing about this track. It appears as though the band are trying their best to satisfy us with some infectiousness one way or another, but it just isn’t paying off. Filthy Streets brings us back to the same sound as before, unfortunately with no hidden surprises. It is a real shame, because the melodies aren’t necessarily bad, just a little predictable at this stage.

Toxic Sludge is certainly more appealing, with an introductory rock ‘n’ roll riff at the helm. However as the vocals kick in we are left feeling disappointed yet again. Vipère is the first track on the release that really piques the listener’s interest, as the first instrumental featured on the album. It would have been amazing to have heard more tracks like this dotted throughout the record. Bloodmoon is another expected track. As the album nears its end, most will be wishing for a bit more variety. The closer is The Rise Of Witchcraft, and sadly it ends things on an uninspiring note.

If you love old school rock n’ roll, then this record may be right up your alley. If not, it is recommended that that you give Revelations Of The Sacred Skull a miss. Whilst effective instrumentals are evident in a lot of the tracks, Jim Laflamme‘s vocal delivery along with the monotonous choral melodies just don’t match up.

Rating: 6/10

Revelations Of The Sacred Skull is set for release on February 10th via Heavy Psych Records.

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