The 69 Eyes Album: “Back in Blood [Bonus DVD]”

"Back in blood" is the brand new album from Goth rockers "The 69 eyes". Although I have been aware of the existence and activity of the band I never bought/heard any of their albums as the European stereotype of the Helsinki vampires was that of a Gothic rock group, a sound which I am not really familiar with. Never the less the album sticker on the ltd edition labeled them primarily as Glam metal so it obviously worth a shot.

It was really surprising to witness how much of a glam metal band these guys are; the compositions are solid, and the performances are very organic including all the characteristics of a proper hard rock band. It is true however that the bass vocals are likely to tire someone inexperienced in the Goth rock vocal sound. Overall the album delivers quite a number of substantial dark glam tunes such as, "Hunger" "Dead `n gone", "Back in blood", the super dark/melodic "Night Watch" and "Dead girls are easy" which also made for a fantastic promo video.

It is very rewarding to hear that the band is a genuine glam metal outfit simply because they are heavy, flash and fun (with a dark sense of humor one has to admit). Never the less it has to be said that beyond the excitement of discovering a quality glam metal band "Back in blood" held few surprises ( not as many drum breaks/improvisations, while the guitar solos could have been more intense which would also add to the atmosphere of the release).

Above all a rewarding album for glam metal/hard rock fans! I would have given the album five stars for the surprise alone but in the meantime I also got their 2004 release "Devils" which I found even more appealing.

The limited edition comes in a book-like case with the addition of a live, 13-track DVD recorded at "Whiskey a Go Go" which is a good opportunity for new fans to become more familiar with the band's back catalogue.

Do you like rock and roll? The 69 Eyes do.

This album has all the flash and flair of a hair metal disc from the 80s, but no hair metal band has ever had this kind of discipline and intention - nay, even restraint. Despite all the youth and enthusiasm this disc radiates, you can tell the band had been together for 20 years when they recorded this.

Not many rock groups are this lively 20 years into the game, much less writing some of the best material of their career.

I applaud The 69 Eyes for still being together after more than 20 years of existence, that speaks for itself. Originally a more glam-metal sounding band in the vein of Hanoi Rocks, they have changed their sound and transformed into this more dark Goth band, which is the 69 Eyes most people remember and know them for. Their most recent effort, 2009's Back In Blood has the band doing what they do best, terrific Goth-Rock in the way only the Helsinki Vampires can. The Finnish Helsinki-based band has delivered a great album once again with its fair share of memorable and enjoyable tracks. Fans won't be disappointed in Back In Blood and newbies have a great place to start with this album. When the 69 Eyes say they're Back In Blood, they mean it!

I won't go through all of the 12 songs featured on BIB but here are some I consider the very best. The title track "Back In Blood" sets the tone of the album right, a heavy riff-oriented opener that starts the album well. "The Good, The Bad and The Undead" is a thunderous song, plenty of energy and it basically is that traditional rock n' roll rebellion. When Jerky sings "They won't let us into heaven" you fell that he really means it. This one is more classic metal oriented and straight up metal song, I love it for that particular reason. "Lips of Blood" is a highlight of the album in my opinion, I simply love the lyrics and it has that vampire-type romance the band is pushing towards and it has a cool vibe, it's pretty close to a ballad but it's heavy at the same time. I wouldn't go as far as saying that "Dead Girls Are Easy" promotes necrophilia but that's definitely what the lyrics point to, but its all tongue in cheek at least 69 Eyes Style which is what makes it fun! The chorus sticks in your head, be warned! "Some Kind of Magic" is a fun song, nothing serious, just a good silly song I really like this one. "Night Watch" is a terrific more upbeat song, the drums are possibly the best part of the song. Once again, great dark lyrics and atmosphere, another excellent song and a highlight of the album. For me, the absolute best song on Back In Blood has to be "Hunger", it starts with a beautiful piano melody and it becomes dominant in the chorus and at the very end which I like. What can I say? The 69 Eyes integrate the piano very well to their music and it gives more color to their music. The lyrics are almost haunting and guitars are majestic, it's a fantastic song.

I personally own the deluxe edition of Back In Blood with the DVD and I have to say it's really cool. The DVD is a 2006 performance of the band live with the 69 Eyes playing some their older material. The deluxe edition is a great introduction to the band and is definitely your best bet at this price.

Obviously, The 69 Eyes probably isn't for everybody. I mean, they're a Goth-Rock band, Jyrki has this big deep voice, the music can be a little depressing and the subjects are dark in nature. They self-describe themselves as the Helskinki vampires that should give you more of a clue. Songs about vampires, the dead, the undead and lost romance won't be for everyone. Not every metal fan wants that, in fact I wasn't even sure myself if I would like this at first but I did, and man did they grew on me! Back In Blood is an excellent album that fans of the band must own and one that newbies might want to take a look at. All in all this is a fantastic album from The 69 Eyes, 4.5/5.

This cd is deff in the top 5 cds in my book. i was listening to it for weeks. the best 69 eyes album ever!!!

69 Eyes never tries to re-invent the wheel, and I admire them for that. You know exactly what you are getting, and there are no real suprises.

What you do get is a sound that I wish Type O Negative still sounded like...a sound that actually reflects a band having fun with the Goth-themes. This music goes a step further..by combining Goth with infectious beats, vocals and harmonies, you have the makings of something great.

My standout track, and I would rate it as one of their top 2 or 3 songs of all time is "Dead and Gone" I DARE you to get that chorus out of your head. Well done boys!