 |
Old school metal fans rejoice! Force
of Evil are back with their second album “Black Empire.
For those who have been away from reality for the last year or so,
Mercyful Fate guitarists Michael Denner and Hank Shermann, formed
this band. Also, bassist Hal Patino also with King Diamond, but for
the band that bares his name and Bjarne T. Holm who joined Mercyful
Fate in 1995 plays drums. And at the helm, Martin Steene, known from
Iron Fire. Rockin’ classic metal riffs and ripping solos is
what Force of Evil is all about. The musicianship is stellar, what
else would you expect? There are 80’s metal riffs with a modern
day crunch and the power vocals are working better for me than last
disc. Originally I didn’t like the way Steene did his vocals,
but on this CD it has grown on me. I guess I’m used to the Mercyful
Fate/King Diamond style. “Black Empire” was recorded at
Jailhouse Studio in Horsens, Denmark, produced by Tommy Hensen (Helloween,
Pretty Maids), and mixed by Neil Kernon (Judas Priest, Queensryche,
Cannibal Corpse, Deicide). The atmosphere has an evil presence and
the lyrics are a horror-based theme. As you can see, they go well
together. Check out some of the titles “Dead In Texas,”
“Vorhees Revenge,” “Days of Damien,” you should
recognize what they are about if you are a horror movie addict. Fans
of Mercyful Fate or King Diamond will enjoy “Black Empire.” Rating: 84 |
