The 69 Eyes – Universal Monsters – Album Review

I try and make it a rule never start a review with a confession but I have to admit, this was the first time I had heard anything from the  “Helsinki Vampires” aka The 69 Eyes. What makes this more surprising is that Universal Monsters is the 11^th Studio album from the multi-platinum selling Finnish rock band and two decades on from their formation they are still gaining new fans (me being one of them).

The album’s opening track Dolce Vita treats us to a thundering opening riff, courtesy of Bazie & Timo-Timo,  which gives you just enough time to turn the volume up before the bass and drums kick in. It’s not long before Jyrki 69 comes in with his distinctly perfect vocals; imagine a corpse, just awake and before his first cup of coffee.

The 2nd track Jet fighter Plane takes us back to old school Gothic Rock and Metal roots, to the era of Sister of Mercy and the legendary Vision Thing. The next two tracks Blackbird Pie and Lady Darkness slow the pace down but not the mood. Blackbird Pie mixes a classic nursery rhyme with additional lyrics leading to a much darker place, whilst Lady Darkness (my favourite track) demonstrates  the vocal range of Jyrki 69 and a more gothic romantic side of the band.

Having heard this album, produced by Johnny Lee Michaels, I am looking forward to listening to a back catalogue much praised by peers. Discovering new bands, despite their having being around for some time, is one of the reasons I love having the opportunity to review.

Bela Lugosi may still be dead but Goth Rock certainly lives on.

Score: 8 out of 10

 

ALBUM INFO

Tracklist:

1. Dolce Vita
2. Jet Fighter Plane
3. Blackbird Pie
4. Lady Darkness
5. Miss Pastis
6. Shallow Graves
7. Jerusalem
8. Stiv & Johnny
9. Never
10. Blue
11. Rock ‘N’ Roll Junkie

 

Label:

Nuclear Blast Records

Members:

Archzie (Bass) |  Bazie (Guitar)  | Jussi 69 (Drums) | Jyrki 69 (Lead Vocals) | Timo-Timo (Guitar)

Release Date:

22 April 2016 

For Fans Of: 

Sisters of Mercy | The Stooges

Standout Tracks:

Dolce Vita | Jet fighter Plane |Lady Darkness | Shallow Graves |