ALBUM REVIEW: Lucifer II – Lucifer
In the past few years younger bands have been coming out of the woodwork with their sound heavily influenced by 70s hard rock, Berlin’s LUCIFER is no exception to that list. 2015 saw the release of their debut album Lucifer which established their vintage sound, but their second offering, Lucifer II, moves even further into exploring their influences of BLACK SABBATH, FLEETWOOD MAC, DEEP PURPLE and so forth.
The movement didn’t come without obstacles due to secondary songwriter and guitarist Gaz Jennings leaving the band suddenly. Taking over his duties Nicke Andersson (bass, guitars and drums) went full speed ahead with vocalist Johanna Sadonis to use the opportunity to go back to their original vision and make Lucifer II something special.
As opening song California Son explodes into action, you can notice the changes from the album’s predecessor. It instantly feels more up-tempo, even with the BLACK SABBATH-esque tuning and thick bass line. The influence of earlier years is more prominent, and focuses on a more hard rock, psychedelic edge to the sound as opposed to the doomier aspect previously heard. This isn’t to say it’s non-existent as the doomy tones underlie in most tracks, most notable in closing song Faux Pharaoh and Reaper On Your Heels.
Moving on from the fiery introduction to Lucifer II, Dreamer highlights the subtler tones of Sadonis’ voice. Having spoken previously about FLEETWOOD MAC’s Stevie Nicks being a love of hers and her voice an influence, you can hear that she’s picked up the style of the much-loved singer. Sadonis has harnessed her vocal capabilities to a high standard, and they reign with power and passion.
Phoenix moves back toward the California Son sound with 70s heavy metal inspired riffs, attitude-filled vocals and thick bass lines. Dancing With Mr. D follows suit with the attitude, and LUCIFER have added something sensual to the iconic song. It’s a brave move covering THE ROLLING STONES and it was previously meant to be just for fun, but they were so happy with the final result that it made the cut, and rightly so. Aforementioned Reaper On Your Heels has those doomy tones in the music and it feels very SABBATH-esque. Eyes In The Sky continues with that vibe and whilst Sadonis steals the show in this song with her haunting voice initially, the speed is picked up in a true rock and roll fashion and the journey becomes a wild ride.
Before The Sun is one of the more powerful songs on the album for more than one reason. The feeling is sincerer both musically and vocally, but this is one of those times where a modern band has mastered that authentic sound. LUCIFER believe that the majority of the best music was in the 70s and the passion they have for that era of incredible bands that broke the boundaries in music has really played a part in making this band the real deal of keeping that spirit alive.
Aton is a subtle song on the album that also leads as one of the strongest. It feels more on the psychedelic side of things and has gathered all of the best bits from the album and put them into one. Faux Pharaoh closes the album and, as highlighted previously, this is one of the doomiest tracks on the album and closely related to the sounds of Lucifer I. Despite this, the inspiring rock and roll sound pours through and makes for a perfect way to make a statement on the album that this is the way LUCIFER want to go.
Fans of LUCIFER’s debut might find themselves thinking that this album isn’t the band they got to know three years ago, but this is the best that the band have known themselves in those few years. The obstacles they were challenged with were not taken down in vein, and what they have produced is something organic and passion-filled. Many influences seep out onto each track, but at no point does it feel like a copy-cat album, they have merely pin-pointed what makes great music and used that to their advantage. This edgier, more cutting sound is the right way for LUCIFER to go, and if they continue to have fun with it as it comes across in Lucifer II then they should expect to become one of the most established names in modern psychedelic rock.
Rating: 10/10
Lucifer II is set for release on July 6th via Century Media Records.
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