MUSIC REVIEW: LUCIFER – Lucifer III

Label: Century Media Records

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Rating: 94%

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Every once in a while a band comes along and impresses me enough to run out and buy their CD for my own collection.  Lucifer is one of those bands, and here we are on their third disc (which has been added to my collection), aptly named Lucifer III.  Disc opener “Ghosts” is a great track that gets things rolling with amazing vocals, fun riffs and some killer work from the rhythm section.  Thew bridge is heavy and features some great fret work.  Johanna Sadonis’ vocals are lofty and help carry the verse into the chorus and bridge where the band behind her really shine.  “Midnight Phantom” has a heavy riff and bottom end opening the track and soon Sadonis’ vocals kick in and give the track a softer side.  The heavy groove woven into the track from Nicke Andersson’s drums and Harald Göthblad’s bass keep the song anchored.  The eponymous track “Lucifer” has some of the best guitar work on the disc, compliments of Martin Nordin and Linus Björklund.  The lyrics are exactly what you would expect from the song, but the vocals but a softer edge on them, without losing the vibe of the track.  “Coffin Fever” is driven by the chugging riffs and the heavy bottom end from the rhythm section.  This song is one that I go back to time and time again due to the varied textures of the song.  The vocal wails and ad libs from Johanna add punch as well.  “Cemetery Eyes” slows the tempo a bit, but does not lessen the rock and roll quotient of the disc.  Johanna’s vocals are mixed perfectly with the guitars throughout the track and the piano swirled in is a beautiful touch that gives the band another facet to add to songs when necessary or applicable.  The layered vocals in the chorus are thick and give the song a little something extra.  I couldn’t think of a better track on this disc to close out the package.

“Leather Demon” unfolds slowly and softly like a beautiful ballad with a Heart-like feel and sound that morphs sonically as the chorus kicks in, with more of a metal feel.  The thumping bass lines are thick and perfectly support the vocals and the dual guitars of Björklund and Nordin.  Don’t discount the songs lighter texture, as it adds depth to the disc.  “Pacific Blues” opens and sounds like a heavy metal take on Golden Earring’s “Twilight Zone,” but as soon as the band kicks in and the vocals join the fray, you realize this is one of the heavier tracks on the disc musically.  The nuances in the vocals on the chorus are enjoyable and stand out listen after listen.  “Flanked By Snakes” is the perfect blend of classic heavy metal vibe with main stream rock and roll delivery, giving the disc what should be a radio hit.  The swirl of vocals, guitar riffs, and a solid drum – bass blend creates a perfect sonic rock storm.  Be sure to listen for all the guitar parts woven into the track, especially the bridge – this is hands down the best guitar work of the songs on this disc.  “Stay Astray” is a cool track with a different sound and vibe, thanks to the change in guitar sound.  The combo of this and “Flanked By Snakes” is the best one-two punch on the disc.  Sadnois’ vocals are killer on this track and draw you in form first word to last.  The cadence in great and the song flows perfectly from open to close.  Let’s hope when all the craziness dies out that we will get the opportunity to hear these songs live alongside other great songs from their first two discs.

Tracklisting: Ghosts – Midnight Phantom – Leather Demon – Lucifer – Pacific Blues – Coffin Fever – Flanked By Snakes – Stay Astray – Cemetery Eyes

Lineup: Johanna Sadonis (vocals) – Nicke Andersson (drums) – Harald Göthblad (bass) – Martin Nordin (guitar) – Linus Björklund (guitar)

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Category: CD Reviews