ALBUM REVIEW: Sanguivore II: Mistress Of Death – Creeper
There’s a saying that the sequel is never as good as the original. That saying often went around during the sequel hype that happened in the 1980s, where many films got a second or third film, with even 1989’s Back To The Future Part II making fun of the craze with the idea that Jaws films would still be getting sequels in their version of the year 2015.
In music, album sequels are rarer, but still prominently found in hip-hop and rock, famously with bands like LED ZEPPELIN and GUNS N ROSES. Horror punk group CREEPER join that group with their new album, Sanguivore II: Mistress Of Death, continuing on from their 2023 album, Sanguivore. Not only does the sequel continue the vampire rock band story, but also with the glam punk and gothic metal the first album explored.
From the beginning of the album, the 80s goth inspiration is clear as anything, having icon Patricia Morrison of the band SISTERS OF MERCY read the introductory and closing monologues that present and end the album accordingly. Just as before with Sanguivore, the dark and gothic lyricism fit perfectly with the overarching story about a vampire rock band on tour. In some ways, it’s campy and over the top, but it’s obvious the band are having fun with every song on the album, and embracing the theatrical nature from the 80s gothic era, style, and sound. For example, The Black House is very reminiscent of bands like DURAN DURAN, whilst Prey For the Night has similarities to the new wave classic, I Ran (So Far Away) by FLOCK OF SEAGULLS.
In addition, the punk foundation CREEPER have built, as well as their influences from JIM STEINMAN the band have utilised since their Callous Heart days are showcased all over the album, from Blood Magick and Daydreaming In the Dark, to the grandiose and beautiful final song, Pavor Nocturnus, the influence of the great songwriter’s work in the 1980s is evident in every aspect of the album. From the theatrical lyrical and grand themes overarching each song about the haunting ‘Mistress Of Death’, to the musical accompaniment that brought the words to life that emanates the 80s sound and style whilst also remaining original and unique between each of the songs.
Overall, the album remains consistent and distinctively CREEPER, a natural progression from their debut album, Eternity, In Your Arms, as well as a brilliant sequel to Sanguivore from 2023. Sanguivore II: Mistress Of Death showcases respect to the goth scene of the 1980s as well as innovations in the 2020s. Although the band parade themselves as the vampire punk band their music describes, even in this record, they remain themselves through and through. Another consistently great hit from the monarchs of modern horror punk.
Rating: 9/10
Sanguivore II: Mistress Of Death is out now via Spinefarm Records.
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