Century Media [Release date 20.03.20]
It says a lot, when you can’t immediately recall that you reviewed a band’s last release only 2 years ago! In the case of Lucifer = a Stockholm based outfit owing much to the likes of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple, and majoring on the vocals of front woman Johanna Andersson (nee Sadonis).
Formed by Sadonis in Berlin in 2014, Lucifer II was classic, heavy, and uncompromising rock ‘n’ roll, and a less overtly doomy than the band’s debut. III finds the band still in progression with yet more line-up changes and Sadonis now married to her II writing partner and drummer Nicke Andersson.
The core line up is expanded from three to five (although only four feature on the album cover?), with a new guitarist – Linus Björklund, and a new bass player – Harald Göthblad (bass), joining the one other remaining player – Martin Nordin (guitar).
With gloomy artwork, an image lifted straight from 1970, and song titles such as ‘Ghosts’, ‘Leather Demon’, ‘Coffin Fever’, ‘Flanked By Snakes’ and ‘Cemetery Eyes’ it’s fairly clear Lucifer III isn’t going to be a ‘soft rock’ offering.
But it is highly melodic (and accessible), and a very enjoyable listen with the melody carried by some excellent vocals from [Johanna] Andersson, and some neat guitar work with shades of the likes of Lizzy and Wishbone Ash peppered throughout.
My main gripe = aside a lack of originality (especially if you lived through the late 60′s / early 70′s) = is that the songwriting still falls just a little short in terms of hooks that will make this an album you’ll want to revisit in years to come.
But Lucifer are getting better with every release, and as I said in relation to II, if you’re in the market for ‘period’ female-fronted rock, they’re a band well worth investigating. ***1/2
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
