THE 69 EYES: Universal Monsters (GOTHIC METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

While "Back In Blood" (2009) showed a band in great shape, "X" (2012) saw The 69 Eyes playing the safety card with a flawless opus, but without any risk. "Universal Monsters" marks Johnny Lee Michaels' comeback to production. Without really leaving his entourage, the one who had allowed the Helsinki Vampires to impose their style had seen his involvement decline. His return to business is therefore synonymous with hopes for all the band's fans, especially since "Blessed Be" (2000) which had frozen this mix of gothic, glam and rock'n' roll.

And as much to say, these hopes are realized, the Finns succeeding in combining tradition and evolution by alternating classical titles with more surprising ones. The recipe is always carried by Jyrki 69's typical deep and sensual voice, but even he launches into a few flights, proving that he is able to express a beautiful palette of emotions.

The beginning of the album focuses on efficiency with the big riff of a "Dolce Vita" both powerful and dark, and the unstoppable single "Jet Fighter Plane", a pop-gothic Billy Idol style with committed lyrics and choirs provided by the compatriots of Santa Cruz. It is once these foundations have been laid that The 69 Eyes begins to distil the surprises with a skillful dosage that attracts attention without disorienting the amateur. Thus, in a fresh and lively register, "Miss Pastis" adds some French touches (accordion sounds, chorus "hello goes well" in the text) to its surprising and unstoppable rock'n'roll. As for 'Rock'n' Roll Junkie', it goes back to the band's Stonian origins to successfully close the album with an unusual dose of good humour.

Among the tracks that will captivate the listener, we will mention one of the most essential ones, an orchestral and epic "Blackbird Pie" in an atmosphere of Gothic Western. The introduction, atmosphere and solo are typically country-folk while the sound and chorus remain anchored in a melancholic darkness usually conveyed by the band's original style. Reinforced by choirs and a unifying chorus, this title is both surprising and captivating. More mystical and tortured, 'Jerusalem' remains in this same epic vein. Complex mid-tempo and reinforced by an oriental song on its finale, it fascinates the listener to gently lead him into his disturbing and bewitching darkness. As for 'Blue', it is aerial and calm to envelop us in a vaporous and melancholic veil, captivating thanks to the tearing song of sadness. In another style, the performance of the singer on 'Stiv & Johnny' is reminiscent of Marilyn Manson at the top of his shape. Inhabited and stunning, he transforms a relatively classic title into a fascinating theatrical work.

With no real weak points, even if some tracks finally turn out to be more dispensable when compared to the various summits mentioned above, "Universal Monsters" simply stands out as one of the very best albums of The 69 Eyes. After 27 years, the Helsinki Vampires have proved that they are still capable of renewing themselves without denying themselves. This delicate balance quickly turns out to be addictive and should satisfy the usual fans while allowing the Finns to expand their audience, which is still unfairly limited in France. - Official website

THE 69 EYES

UNIVERSAL MONSTERS

NUCLEAR BLAST

GOTHIC METAL