Year: 2023
Total Time: 40.26
Label: Atomic Fire Records
Helsinki’s Vampires have been around for more than 30 years now, but somehow manage to sound as young as if they were in 2001! It was then when I first heard the band, considering them as a pure Gothic Rock band. The formula they had at the time was “very classic”, i.e. dark atmospheres, beautiful leads, catchy choruses and Jyrki’s very characteristic baritone voice. After releasing a few good albums, they switched to a more relaxed Glam Rock sound. I didn’t like that turn at all. To be honest, I haven’t paid any attention to their releases in the last decade, only occasionally listening to their singles. So, I was surprised and curious to hear that “Death Οf Darkness” is rehashing some of the elements from the early years.
The album opens with the title track “Death Of Darkness” and I was very happy to hear this classic 69 EYES sound from the early 2000’s. This song is really good and takes me straight back to the days of “Blessed Be”! Its highlight is some harsh vocals and I wish it had a lot more of that! “Drive” follows, unfortunately again close to Glam Rock although pleasant. Next up is “Gotta Rock”, a cover by Finnish band BOYCOTT. The bass at the beginning reminds me a bit of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”!! However, the original is a little harder and raw. “This Murder Takes Two” is a very simple country song featuring the famous singer and tattoo artist Kat Von D. Unacceptable for my taste, only for Johnny Cash fans…. The next song, “California” one of the same as the last records, i.e Finns who want to live in this state and experience the American dream…
Fortunately, the second half of the album is a bit stronger than the last two tracks I mentioned. “Call me Snake” although it starts with a Hard Rock riff quickly becomes one of the nicest songs on the album. Luckily we have classic Gothic Rock here! SISTERS OF MERCY, FIELD OF THE NEPHILIM and other such goodies! “Dying In The Night” is a very nice song also, although soft piece of Gothic Rock. It will remind you of “Only You Can Save Me” or “Radical” so this is also in their pro’s. “Something Real” is another fantastic Goth Rock track that takes me back to the 00’s. This really is a 69 EYES classic! “Sundown” is very commercial and really puts me off…. “Outlaws” which closes this release is a heavy and slow track and has a memorable and anthemic chorus!
In summary, “Death Of Darkness” manages to successfully bring back some of the nostalgia of the 2000 band’s phase and the sound that made them so famous in the beginning, but it also has some bad choices (mainly the collaboration) and some really mediocre Glam Rock tracks. Let everyone judge for his own, maybe I can’t stand Glam Rock and Country so much….
Rating: 6/10
Editor: Dimitris Argyrakis
Related Link: THE 69 EYES – Official Page
