DIESGROWS

Norwegian band LUCIFER WAS has a history going back all the way to the early 1970's, but didn't get around to actually releasing any material until the late 1990's. Since then albums with new material have appeared a few years apart, and "DiesGrows" is the sixth full length studio production they have released. As with the last few of their albums, it was issued through Swedish label Transubstans Records.

That Lucifer Was is a band with a history going back to the 1970's is easy to understand when listening to this album, as it is one with a firm foundation in that decade as far as musical style, approach and expression is concerned. Just about everything presented to us comes with something of a trademark vintage stamp, and inside a hard rock context at that.

The heart and soul of this band is the use of guitar and organ combinations, more often than not in a tight and vibrant display that begs for comparisons with Deep Purple. They will loosen up occasionally, adding a slight Uriah Heep flavor to the arrangements, while at other times the guitar sound will be a tad darker and more doom-laden, adding a slight touch of vintage Black Sabbath to the proceedings. In addition they also add some flute details to the proceedings, and the manner in which this instrument is used rather than the mere presence of the instrument itself also gives some of the passages a slight touch of a Jethro Tull tinged atmosphere. Soaring on top we have powerful, clear lead vocals, well controlled and delivered.

The band does opt for a subtly more sophisticated blend of these elements than many others, at times creating material that at least in part can be compared to fellow Norwegian band Magic Pie, but Lucifer Was has a much firmer base in a hard rock based foundation, so those who long for sophisticated vocal harmonies and more elaborate keyboard arrangements will not find too much of this here. But in general construction and at times in mood and atmosphere there are certain similarities at play. That Lucifer Was has a few more strings to play upon is also well documented on the third track Crazy World Turns to Me, adding a blues-laden opening passage and more of a southern rock feel to the proceedings on that particular occasion.

"DiesGrows" is first and foremost a quality run through a 70's style vintage, sophisticated hard rock terrain, a solid production by an experienced band who have been exploring this type of music since it first originated. As such this is an album I would estimate to mainly be of interest to those with a strong affection for that type of music, with fans of Deep Purple and at least to some extent Uriah Heep as well as those who should take note of this CD.