BLACK WIDOW

The debut album of this band was quite encouraging but due to commercial pressure, they had to drop their special lyrics for their follow-up work. As a consequence, the mood is not so interesting and Black Widow sounds more conventional than Sacrifice.

It still remains a fine work which is clearly marked by its time; and you will notice it while listening to this work.

In terms of opening number, the band produced another very blend of heavy but upbeat song (which is not necessary the same). The band shows serious skills while playing this sort of music: a superb beat (bass and drumming are truly wild) and a wonderful organ play. Purple, Heep or Jane lovers (hi Febus) should be delighted while hearing such a good track. A highlight.

Black Widow is showing another aspect of their music when they play such a track as The Gypsy. I quite like the flute play, and the beat has some definite similarity with Gallows Pole (Led Zep). Another good song which is more revival oriented for half of it;

Even if there are some songs which are out of tune while considering the style of the band (When my Mind Was Young), there won't be so many blunders here. It's all good old rock'n'roll mixed with some heavy blues during The Journey: the repetitive riff throughout the song reminds me of Jean Genie from whom you might know (but the latter was released in 1973.).

Poser is more on the heavy blues side and might sound as a repetition for The Journey. Still, there is a personal touch with this unexpected flute solo in the midst of such heavy rhythms.

It is also difficult to share one's feeling about Mary Clark: it is a poignant and emotional song and at the same time it sounds as if it was only the introduction of some great epic. I have always felt a mixed feeling about this song: it could have been the start of something great but even as such it is a rather pleasant song.

From the two bonus tracks available on the CD version, I absolutely recommend Legend Of Creation which is fully on par with their best work. Heavy keyboards are the highlight but some good guitar work (which is sufficiently scarce to be mentioned) is more than welcome.

This a good album which could been even better if some atmosphere of their debut would have been present. The lyrics made part of the difference and the religious apprehension is gone. Too bad.

Three stars.