Formed in Berlin in 2014, Lucifer is a trad-metal band led by Johanna Sadonis. Having initially struggled with a revolving line up, Sadonis being the only constant, things stabilised in 2018 and Lucifer is now based out of Stockholm, with members Nicke Andersson, Martin Nordin, Linus Bjorklund, and Harald Gothblad now firmly bedded in. This line-up has certainly been prolific, with four releases under their collective belt since 2018, with V marking the band’s debut for Nuclear Blast Records, having previously been signed to Century Media.
If you’ve followed Lucifer’s ascent, you’ll know the band take inspiration from the hulking great bands of the 70s – Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and their Afghan-coated ilk – and little has changed for V. However, while the band’s fifth album may offer few surprises, it certainly sees Lucifer having refined their formula. It kicks off with Fallen Angel, a rampant rocker with bone-dry riffing, earthquake-inducing percussion and, tearing through the heart of the mix, Johanna Sadonis’ impressive vocals. It’s a strong opening number and it sets a high bar for the album. Listeners may find themselves initially wrongfooted by the doom-laden intro to At The Mortuary, as the crushing riffs of the intro are sacrificed on the altar of a light-touch rocker reminiscent of Blue Oyster Cult. The track evolves wonderfully, taking in a number of different metallic elements as it progresses, although it never quite attains the promise of that doom-laden opening. The band remain firmly in classic rock territory as they head into the neatly harmonised leads of Riding Reaper, a mid-tempo melodic number with nods to vintage Alice Cooper. It’s a cracking track, and the band deliver it with panache.
With the album zipping past at a brisk pace, Lucifer change things up on Slow Dance In A Crypt, a slinky, jazz-infused number, that has an atmosphere all its own. An album highlight, it not only has a melody to die for, but also a soaring solo and an exquisite vocal performance. It is here, where Lucifer muddle their DNA a little that they’re at their best, and were you to choose just one song from this fine album, Slow Dance In A Crypt should be it. In contrast, A Coffin Has No Silver Lining heads back to classic rock territory, throwing in some kooky horror effects for good measure, and evoking mental images of Lee Dorian’s doom-dance on Witchfinder General.
Opting for an opulent acoustic sound for its introduction, Maculate Heart is only set properly in motion when an explosive drum fill announces the arrival of the full band. Underpinned by acoustic guitars but with a suitably stinging riff, it’s a solid number, although it’s soon eclipsed by The Dead Don’t Speak. Offering up one of the album’s heaviest riffs, it remains a dynamic piece, the darker riffs offset by lighter passages, which provide room for Johanna’s vocals to breathe. With the end in sight, the sparkling psyche-doom of Strange Sister has a wonderfully hotwired riff and a chorus that creeps into the darkest recesses of your mind, before dipping into Paradise Lost territory for a slower, piano-led passage that ups the ante considerably, paving the way for a blistering solo in the process. And then, all too soon, the album is at its end, and the band have just one last metallic monster up their frilly sleeves. Digging into a similar atmosphere to the excellent Slow Dance In A Crypt, Nothing Left To Lose But My Life has a slinky, dark jazz feel – somewhere between composer John Barry and Black Sabbath in the chain of inspiration. It makes for an inspired album closer, and it benefits from a truly astonishing vocal performance at its heart.
With Lucifer, you know what you’re going to get – heavy riffs, strong melodies, and a sparkling vocal performance from Johanna Sadonis. With the current line up having gelled over the preceding three albums, there’s a sense of common purpose here, while tracks such as Slow Dance In A Crypt and Nothing To Lose But My Life suggest a desire to change things up, without losing sight of the band’s core sound. A rock-solid metal album from a group of musicians obviously passionate about their cause, V may offer few surprises, but the chances are you’ll be having too much of a good time to care. 8/10
