Search - Lillian Axe :: Water Rising

An opus for the patient fan

gooup | Louisiana | 07/17/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Lillian Axe fans are a patient lot. Really. We religiously listen to the previously released albums, and we allow our heroes to record, mix and re-mix ... all the while chomping at the bit. Waters Rising is our reward for that patience.



With new lead singer, Derrick Lefevre, Steve Blaze and Company delivers 12 songs that satisfy the hungering soul that is the quintessential Lillian Axe fan. Many reviewers have commented on Lefevre's similarity to Ron Taylor (Axe's well-known lead singer, who took over the reigns from original vocalist Johnny Vines), but he truly stands on his own merits on this release. Coupled with crushing drums and a tight rhythm section ... this incarnation of Lillian is a force to be reckoned with.



My rating of 4 stars is based solely on the fact that three songs that have been released before on other CD's are on this disc (Become A Monster and Thirst from "Fields of Yesterday", and the instrumental "5" is from Blaze's solo CD.) With the lush backlog of unreleased demos that were written following Psychoschizophrenia ... i can only speculate on Blaze's reasoning on this. Many fans are quite familiar with many of the songs on this disc, with the demo versions of them having made the rounds on the trading circuit. That being said, it's good to finally hear these songs in all digital glory.



Waters Rising - The opening track is a new song, and i think Derrick truly makes this song his own. Though it could very well have found a home on "Psychoschizophrenia" ... this song has a heavy, catchy riff. 5/5



Antarctica - This very well could be the heaviest, and least Lillian Axe-ish tune on this disc. That is not to say that i don't like it ... it's a great tune. The lyrics are very cryptic, with (what i can guess) veiled references of faith. 4/5



Become a Monster - The first previously released song, re-recorded by Lefevre. This song simply didn't have to be on this album. Derrick does an amazing job on the vocals. 4/5



Quarantine - Steve tells of a sort of "germ phobia" from which he suffers, and this song is from that vantage point. A stellar performance from Eric, Sam and Ken on this one ... the music is just bigger than life on this one. 5/5



I Have to Die, Goodbye - A tale of love lost ... and of it's impending sadness. A song of love which has taken and yet not given back. Hauntingly stark in it's story, this song never fails to reach me. 5/5



Fear of Time - Don't we all fear death? While we all like to imagine that we are at peace with our Maker, and that we live up to ideals that we hope all decent people would espouse ... this song makes me reconsider so many bad choices. That clock never stops ticking, and we should waste no time in living life. 4.5/5



Until the End of the World - This song harkens back to "Fields of Yesterday", an album of older songs and demos that finally got to see the light of day. The chorus truly lets Lefevre show off his vocal abilities. 5/5



Fields of Yesterday - Though an album was released with this name, this song was not on it. Some have called this song Lillian Axe's "Bohemian Rhapsody" or "Stairway to Heaven" ... i tend to shy away from such comparisons. The song's dark, brooding opening gives way to 8 1/2 minutes of ecstasy. Lyrics speak of lamenting and loss, but coupled with the swelling score ... this song is the gem in the crown. The section which is chanted is ethereal and otherworldly. "Goodbye cruel world ..." 5/5



Thirst - Another song previously recorded by Ron Taylor. Since it's a real favorite of mine, it's hard to be objective here. I do find Lefevre's treatment excellent on this recording, though! The vocals are excellent! 4/5



The 2nd of May - A story of child abduction. Sadly enough, this song is so relevant to recent news of several abduction of young girls. I always envisioned lovers separated by an abduction by a jealous lover when listening to this song. Hey, anything is open to interpretation, eh? 5/5



Deep in the Black - An opening featuring what sounds like a pipe organ joined by dark, mournful vocals sets the stage for this epic tune. I find the vocals sound a bit flat and unfinished on this one. 4/5



"5" - An instrumental featuring, according to Blaze, up to 80 different guitar tracks. This is the third "previously released" song on this disc. That being said, I'm not much for instrumentals, but the musicianship displayed here is beyond amazing. 4.5/5



OK ... so my overall is 4/5 ... and that, again, is simply because of three previously released songs on this disc. Now, these three songs are superb ... the fact still "irks" me. Overall, this is a disc that you should not miss!"

This CD saves rock music!

J. Joiner | The South | 07/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's great to hear a CD that doesn't sound like all the current rock music. "I Have to Die, Goodbye" is one of the greatest songs ever made. Derrick and each of the musicians are the best of the best in their trades. Buy this CD if you want to hear serious, talented musicians who still make music an art!"