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By JEFF MAKI
Though Finland's The 69 Eyes have been around for some time, they have only recently gotten U.S. exposure, played their first show here earlier this year. Sure the band may look like Misfits wannabes, but their music is damn good. This band uses their image as a marketing tool, but its not about looks. Devils is a near perfect blend of gothic vocals similar to those of Type O Negative's Peter Steele with hooks and melodies that HIM might wish they had written. The band also pulls us off a punk rock influence that slips in and out of songs. Tracks like "Devils" and "Lost Boys" are dirty gothic punk rockers while others, such as "Feel Berlin" and "Sister Of Charity," incorporate female vocals, showing a more emotional and sensitive side. You can't get any more gothic than "Sister Of Charity," which comes complete with Gregorian chants and evil if not beautiful tinges. Most, if not all, songs incorporate keyboards for atmosphere and melody, making each memorable on first listen. This may come across as too soft for the average metalhead, as is the case with HIM, but it makes for a good mix and overall interesting listen.
The fact is we need bands like The 69 Eyes and HIM for variety and an occasional guilty pleasure. No one can -- at least I can't -- listen to album after album of the same style rock or death metal and not eventually get bored. Devils is not for everyone. In addition to Peter Steele, Jryki 69's vocals at times recall Glenn Danzig and Billy Idol. The album is not heavy, but it rocks enough that the average rock fan should be appreciative. If there is one main flaw, it is that it seems to tail off a bit toward the latter half. Maybe another up-tempo, punk rock track would have helped.
Devils is by no means a masterpiece and the band wear their influences on their sleeves, but I think that's how it was meant to be. The 69 Eyes have released a solid album, even if it may serve as a guilty pleasure for some.
Standout tracks: "Devils," "Feel Berlin," "Lost Boys"
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