Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Lullacry - Fire Within EP - 2004 - Century Media Reviewed by: Nailer

Track Listing1. Fire Within 2. L.O.V.E. Machine 3. Be My God (tribal reprise) 4. The #1 Rebel 5. Crucify My Heart pt. II (piano version)

Finland is certainly having some good metal years lately with great releases from bands like Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Mnemic and Amorphis. While the U.S. is in the midst of a melodic-hardcore revolution, there are signs of a different trend resonating in Europe now of a lighter, pop-metal that likens back to the fun stuff from the mid-80's, hair bands in America.

Lullacry has replaced singer ex-singer Tanya with Tanja (Lainio) and dropped the goth sound for some good old RnR. Their new EP 'Fire Within', is a nice teaser for the upcoming full-length CD. Its layout is fairly diverse with a couple of new songs, a couple re-worked songs and a cover tune making it more of an appetizer run than a full-course meal.

Weak, but rebellious in the verses, 'Fire Within' is Tanja as the European Gwen Stefani with a light, but sassy delivery that picks up best in the catchy chorus. It's similar to 'Don't Touch the Flame' from the prior CD. I really like the heavy use of cymbals on the drums which to me gives it that pop/hard rock feel over metal. 'L.O.V.E. Machine' is the best number on the disc and the perfect follow up track. Tanja is saccarine, foxy and wanting, owning the cover song from Blackie Lawless and W.A.S.P. From there, the EP shifts abruptly in tone to the tribal reprise version of 'Be My God' which is too drum-circle-serenity-in-the-woods hippie-ish for my tastes. Another new song, 'The #1 Rebel' is acoustic, but fairly upbeat. 'Crucify My Heart' is a slower, soft, love-lost ballad with just Tanja, a natural piano and some string arrangements. Vocally, it's probably the best of the set.

The Finish Folks are certainly making their presence known. Lullacry are currently hard at work recording the follow up to their 2002 release Crucify My Heart with producer Anssi Kippo (Children Of Bodom, Entwine), tentatively due in early 2005. Getting on tour with Nightwish was a major coup for this band and if they can keep up the momentum and not become too sappy, they could play a big role in a pop-metal trend in Europe.


--Nailer 10.15.04