The 69 Eyes – Universal Monsters (Out 22 April 2016 via Nuclear Blast)

Formed in 1989 in Helsinki, Finland, The 69 Eyes started life as a glam metal band, heavily influenced by the likes of Hanoi Rocks. Playing the local bars and releasing an indie 7” or two, the band released  their debut album in 1992 and have since gone on to become a multi platinum selling band. Along the way, they have become more rock’n’roll, taking influence from Elvis and Billy Idol, and more so Gothic, with influences from the Sisters Of Mercy and The Mission.

Following on from 2012’s X (their 10th album), this new album sees the band continue in similar confident fashion. Opener Dolce Vita kicks off with some heavy crunch guitars, the vocals deep, dark, moody, very typically gothic. There is a good sleazy guitar solo mid song, the chunky rhythms keeping the gothic undertone. Jet Fighter Plane (also the first single) has a very political cold war stance, the harmonies in the backing vocals work well, the keyboards and guitars working well. There’s a solid and heavy rock’n’roll feel to Blackbird Eyes, the rock’n’roll even more obvious in Lady Darkness. The Billy Idol meets The Mission here.

The rock’n’roll takes a sleazy not to their roots in the opening riff to Miss Pastis, but the deep vocals immediately dive into gothic territory. The twin guitars  work well, mixing riffs and solos, the sound mixes fresh with some seriously old school 80s rock’n’goth’sleaze. Really well worth checking out. 7.2/10

Joe Geesin