Band Force Of Evil Title Black Empire Type LP/EP Company Escapi Music YOR 2005 Style Power Popular Reviews ![]() ![]()
After this group's successful debut, I knew that the band was something truly special. While King Diamond himself seems to avoid another Mercyful Fate album, concentrating on his solo gig for the last six years (releasing three albums since the last Fate record) it is indeed a real pleasure to find these current and former Diamond/Fate members uniting with former Iron Fire screamer Martin Steene. In fact it seems like Steene has sort of taken this band under his wing, an odd thought considering Steene probably grew up listening to these musicians. Steene has the fire and the attitude to work, recording two Force Of Evil albums now, a few tours, and a live DVD. With "Black Empire" Steene shows off his pen, mastering these horror creations. Steene explains that he is a horror fan at heart, really enjoying the works of Tobe Hooper, Stephen King, and Clive Barker. From start to finish this album is simply a tremendous metal ride. Obviously the bulk of this band is made from the sound of Mercyful Fate. Denner and Shermann hook up on some legendary axe work, really laying down a solid foundation of new wave riffs, bordering on the blues hooks that have made them famous in years past. Steene comes on like a knife in the dark, with a captivating voice that seems to reach titanic heights. He carries each word with vicious delight, almost becoming the characters he writes and sings about. His vocal delivery and register is incredible, with plenty of highs and lows that will really play the part in this "sinister show". All of the horror gems are brought to life musically on "Black Empire". The title track is a wicked romp through the ultimate house of horror, Amityville. The cut's catchy chorus is punctuated with a Priest like run through melody and big chops. The second half of the track focuses more on the old school Fate pattern with Shermann blazing along in full bluesy mode. Tobe Hooper's cult masterpiece Texas Chainsaw Massacre is represented with "Dead In Texas", while the fantastic Friday The 13th franchise gets a musical rendition with "Voorhees Revenge". Both cuts are speedy numbers with big, catchy chorus parts that seem to be evident on most power metal records. Popular horror author Stephen King gets a tribute with "Disciples Of The King", while British novelist Clive Barker's Candyman gets treated with "Cabrini Green". Other horror staples that are represented are Maniac Cop, The Omen, and In The Mouth Of Madness. Force Of Evil also pulls out a few original ideas with "S.O.S", "Sinister Show", "Death Comes Crawling", and "Beyond The Gates". --EC 04.21.05 ALL REVIEWS FOR: FORCE OF EVIL
ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: FORCE OF EVIL
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