gothic rock
Some say gothic rock is dead, mostly people who have heard 'Temple Of Love' twice and then moved on to easier digestible music (created by someone named Justin). So, if anyone ever claims that gothic rock is dead, you can rest assured that that person has no idea what he is talking about. Now, I have to say, there are not that many bands that can come up with a convincing sound these days. Or at least, we don't encounter them often here on Merchants Of Air. In the past few years, I've heard only a handful of decent recent goth rock albums. However, there is good news for all the black leather coats wearing folk out there.
The Black Capes is a band from Athens, Greece. In the past few years, the band members have been playing in bands like Potergeist, Inactive Messiah and Human Base but more recently, they came together to pay homage to the sound of Sisters Of Mercy, Type O Negative and 69 Eyes. On 'All These Monsters', The Black Capes showcase the fruit of their gothic endeavors and I must say, this rocks. With a bunch of uptempo gloomy rock songs, these guys immediately place themselves among their influences.
Perhaps the best comparison is Sisters Of Mercy in their 'Vision Thing' era or perhaps something between Fields Of The Nephilim and Moonspell. You know, dancing on the edge between gothic rock and gothic metal. In fact, some of these tunes would fit quite well on a modern day version of 'New Wave Club Classix', like the heavy rocking opener 'Sarah The Witch' or the highly immersive 'New Life'. the latter can even please some of the most headstrong headbangers among the gothic folk. That's why I mentioned Moonspell.
So take it from me, a guy that hosted and DJ'ed several gothic parties in the past, this album is an excellent modern day version of gothic rock, one that will definitely make some blair haired heads turn into their direction. I'm sure that I can play any of these songs on such a party without people leaving the dancefloor. The fact that the album is rather short makes me only hungrier for more. So I hope that many of those old school goths will join me in hoping that The Black Capes take this show on the road soon.
Serge
The Black Capes is a band from Athens, Greece. In the past few years, the band members have been playing in bands like Potergeist, Inactive Messiah and Human Base but more recently, they came together to pay homage to the sound of Sisters Of Mercy, Type O Negative and 69 Eyes. On 'All These Monsters', The Black Capes showcase the fruit of their gothic endeavors and I must say, this rocks. With a bunch of uptempo gloomy rock songs, these guys immediately place themselves among their influences.
Perhaps the best comparison is Sisters Of Mercy in their 'Vision Thing' era or perhaps something between Fields Of The Nephilim and Moonspell. You know, dancing on the edge between gothic rock and gothic metal. In fact, some of these tunes would fit quite well on a modern day version of 'New Wave Club Classix', like the heavy rocking opener 'Sarah The Witch' or the highly immersive 'New Life'. the latter can even please some of the most headstrong headbangers among the gothic folk. That's why I mentioned Moonspell.
So take it from me, a guy that hosted and DJ'ed several gothic parties in the past, this album is an excellent modern day version of gothic rock, one that will definitely make some blair haired heads turn into their direction. I'm sure that I can play any of these songs on such a party without people leaving the dancefloor. The fact that the album is rather short makes me only hungrier for more. So I hope that many of those old school goths will join me in hoping that The Black Capes take this show on the road soon.
Serge
