Standouts from the second half include the ballad "Until the End of the World." It has a nice, gentle flow to its acoustic/electric mix. As good as that song is, the stakes are upped in the very next song, "Fields of Yesterday," which brings in a string section. The song clocks in at over eight minutes, and features some absolutely gorgeous atmospherics. It is simply a beautiful song. The more high powered energy returns in "Thirst," a strong rocking song.
All of this builds to the final two songs. First is the sprawling epic, "Deep in the Black," which features a big, expansive sound that stands out in contrast to the rest of the album. The last track, an instrumental called "5," also sounds nothing like the other material found here. Heavy riffs, driving drums, and blazing (no pun intended) lead work. This is a wild metal instrumental, stepping away from the hard rock sounds of the rest of the album, and more into a strictly metal sound. This song is truly impressive.
Bottomline: Very nice album. Some good rock tunes, some impressive atmospheric sounds, and just all around great songwriting. This turned out to be considerably better than what I had imagined when it arrived on my doorstep. While it does not break any new ground, it is still definitely solid. The worst thing I can say about it is that the album cover art is rather lame.
Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Mike Lawler
Lillian Axe is such a great band and the new vocalist Derrick Lefevre is amazing , he reminds me alot of former vocalist Ron Taylor(My all-time favorite vocalist!).....This album is great, very atmospheric, dark, heavy....Yet extremely melodic!...Steve Blaze is the greatest underrated vocalist/songwriter of all time......And I do agree with the review this album isn't breaking any new ground but who cares when the songs are just this good.....I give this album a perfect 10/10.....And yes I agree the cover art is lame.
2 - Mike Lawler
I meant to say Steve Blaze is the greatest underrated guitarist/songwriter of all time!...My bad
3 - King of Rock
Judas Rising is opening for them tomorrow. This guy must feel real dumb.
4 - Chris Beaumont
Why is that?
5 - Lioness
Judas Rising was amazing. Lillian axe had a great sound too. But Rising is unreal! How these guys never age after all these years!
6 - Marta
Just another fan. Do a write up on the 9/14 show! Lillian axe and judas rising rocked!
7 - King of Rock
Fat, Fat, and more Fat! Don't you exercise?
8 - Chris Beaumont
What are you rambling about?
9 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
your fat ass! LOLOLOLOLOL!!! Slave!
10 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Obviously, for that kind of cash, they still can't train you out of your stupidity.
If these are the fans, I can only picture how f*cking retarded the band is...
11 - Dirk Benedict
I think Lillian axe should hang it up. The CD wasn't bad, but there attendance records are terrible at shows.
12 - Skunk
The Judas Rising/ Lillian Axe show was awesome. Lillian Axe wasn't bad either.