Search - Lillian Axe :: Deep Red Shadows

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E. Johnson | Colorado | 07/28/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Lillian Axe friggin rocks! we all know this! Take a look at all of their previous albums (except the album "fields of yesterday" which is a terrible, terrible nightmare). These guys are awesome! Steve Blaze is an Idol in numerous ways. Derrick is an amazing singer, and an excellent successor to Ron Taylor. Even with the new line-up, the songs have a way of sticking with you, the lyrics taking you off to the deepest, and sometimes darkest reaches of Steve Blaze's mind. So...what happened here? We get 4 new songs...? And a few remakes of some excellent songs, but just not very good remakes. The originals of these songs (one was on the previous album even!) are much better than what we have here. The new songs may as well be static on an endless loop. There really isn't much to remember here. The most painful part of this, aside from my shrill disappointment, is the agony I hear in Derrick's voice trying to hit notes that he shouldn't be attempting.



But seriously, don't get me wrong. The new songs ( I am refusing to count the remade old ones...it's almost an insult) have small moments of greatness. There are nuances of the Axe of old in there, and some excellent guitar work by steve, and the boys are doing very good keeping it all together. These guys are sounding more together than ever. But, the songs are bland and even after hearing them 5 times...I honestly don't remember them at all. "47 ways to die" is by far the worst. I mean..really? *sigh* Why do they keep trying to be a hardcore metal band, when they are not?



I am taking this album as an in-between album, something to keep their name in the mix. I really hope these guys make it big one day. Steve Blaze deserves it. One of the BEST live shows you will probably ever see! This album makes me cry inside..I just hope we have a "real" new album coming out soon, and that they don't do this to us ever again."

As always with Lillian Axe, well worth it!

RedBlaze02 | USA | 08/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What started as an EP with a few new songs with one acoustic bonus track ended up being a 9 song CD that's worth every penny, but that should be no surprise, this is Lillian Axe!



I've been a fan since 1989 and this CD has not left my car CD player and gets played every day at least once if not twice. Like a fine wine, Lillian Axe always gets better as time goes on.



47 Ways to Die has one of the best choruses I have ever heard. Probably one of the reasons it got tapped for a major movie, a nice break for these guys.



Under the Same Moon has a stomping verse with an atmospheric chorus that reminds me of Ghost of Winter and the end of All's Fair in Love and War.



The Quenching of Human Life and A Minute of Years took me a few listens to get used to, but now I'm hooked. They're great songs.



The multiple, layered acoustic guitars on Nobody Knows and The Day I Met You sound even better than the acoustics on the originals. Derrick does a great job on these songs, with an expressive feel that reminds me a bit of Peter Criss. Nobody Knows includes a complete solo section with more layered guitars. Nice string sounds as well. I will be giving these versions equal time with the originals as they are both cool.



Even though Sad Day and Nocturnal Symphony were on the last album, these acoustic versions are great. More layered acoustics and string sounds.



The new instrumental track, Deep Red Shadows, is unique, reflective and relaxing. The main acoustic motif will stick in your head as much as the other songs will.



Like the Sad Day CD, the packaging includes lyrics and a couple really cool photos of the band and great artwork."