KINGDOM OF DEADMEN - review added 26th April 2010
Album Review: Black Rhapsody (2010)
For fans of: Alt Rock... and albums with a big WOW factor
Kingdom Of Deadmen is fronted by former Kiss Of The Gypsy singer/guitarist Tony "Mad Dog" Mitchell. Kiss Of The Gypsy was signed to US label Atlantic Records in 1991-1993, and had success on both sides of ocean, plus tours with bands like Tesla, Magnum, Winger, Great White and more.
Kingdom Of Deadmen, his latest venture, sees "Mad Dog" supported by Rob Bridge on vocals and guitars, Chris Hunt on guitars, Mike "Ghost" Beck on drums, and Chris Grindrod on bass. Everyone contributes backing vocals.
Black Rhapsody is, by the band's own admission, influenced by 1960s and 1970s classic rock, movie stories and soundtracks, and depicts abuse, revenge, love, lust and addiction.
From such a downbeat description it comes as a pleasant surprise just how enjoyable and upbeat the record is. Yes, a lot of the lyrics are as miserable as a mouse during a cheese shortage, but the music - with its forays through metal, jazz, pop, rock and more - and the style of the vocals - which are nothing less than iconic - come as a huge saving grace. Kingdom Of Deadmen approach greatness in places with this release. It perhaps lacks consistency, but there's so much good stuff to sink your teeth and soul into that barely matters.
Best tracks include the morbidly bouncy 'Wildflower', the wandering theatrical-balladry of 'Faith Hope Love', the speedy anti-heroics of 'Bullet In The Head', the simplistic groove of 'All Good', and the sensual dreaminess of the title track. The remainder maintain a high average standard, and as a whole this is an album with as many exciting peaks as the Himalayas.
Black Rhapsody took a lot of listens to get into, but it was worth the effort. To be honest, it's still getting better on every repeat-play. There are details built into the music you won't notice on the first 10 or 20 spins. This is deep complex material and all the better for it. Kingdom Of Deadmen don't play straight ahead rock. What they do play is breathtaking music with a depth you rarely find anywhere. 40 years ago this album would have broken the world. Even now it sounds superb.
Check out... The title track.
Track List:
01. Wildflower
02. There Will Be Blood
03. Falling Angel
04. Faith Hope Love
05. Bullet In The Head
06. Losing Faith
07. Judas Kiss
08. All Good
09. Black Rhapsody
10. Lust For The Kill
Label: Holier Than Thou Records
Artist's website(s): Kingdom Of Deadmen , MySpace
