The 69 Eyes
Devils

THE REVIEW

Veterans of the Finnish scene, the five rockers from Helsinki return in 2004 with their seventh effort titled "Devils". What can I say? None of the clichés that made them popular are overturned or altered here, so their detractors will surely have fierce criticism to aim at Jyrki and company. On the other hand, those who have appreciated their offering will find in this new musical labor the perfect combination of the past and present of the Nordic band.

We are indeed faced with eleven chapters balancing between guitars close to classical rock 'n' roll and atmospheres filled with decadent keys and deep vocals, gloomy, with the well-known sweetly-romantic inclinations. Virtually no technicalities, plenty of radio-friendly groove, and tracks that imprint themselves in the mind at lightning speed, all enhanced by a velvety, crystal-clear mixing, carefully avoiding emphasizing the band’s rougher aspect. Influences reminiscent of acts of the caliber of Sisters of Mercy and Fields of the Nephilim are abundant, while the singing remains baritone, vaguely solemn, and very close to the dark croons of Peter Steele of Type o'Negative fame.

Numerous potential hits, from the dark-road tones of "Devils" to the melancholic "Jimmy" and "Sister Charity", up to the irresistible groove of the lead single "Lost Boys" between hard-rocking riffs and energetic vocals. The misty romanticism finds expression in the slowness of the introspective "August Moon" and in the final ballad "Only You Can Save Me", sweet and nostalgic like a heavy snowfall. The lyrical aspect does not deviate in the slightest from previous work, focusing on the love-sad-dark theme akin to other Finnish realities like Him or Charon, so no surprises here either. An album intended exclusively for fans of the combo and for those who appreciate hard-rock tinged with decadence yet always immediate and urgent.

Those looking for powerful riffs, metallic rage, or leaden gothic atmosphere should steer clear.