An excellent comeback that should please longtime fans of Lucifer’s Friend. Especially those who prefer their melodic side, you can tell they’ve tried to please everyone.
Written by: Dangerzone
ARTIST: Lucifers Friend
ALBUM: Too Late To Hate
LABEL: Cherry Red Records
SERIAL: TBA
YEAR: 2016
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
LINEUP: John Lawton – vocals * Peter Hesslein – guitar * Dieter Horns – bass * Stephan Eggert – drums * Jogi Wichmann – keyboards
TRACK LISTING: 01 Demolition Man * 02 Jokers & Fools * 03 When Children Cry * 04 Straight For The Heart * 05 Tell Me Why * 06 Don’t Talk To Strangers * 07 I Will Be There * 08 This Time * 09 Tears * 10 Sea Of Promises * 11 Brothers Without A Name * 12 When You’re Gone (Live)
RATING: 80/100
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Lucifer’s Friend Background
Several weeks ago during a quiet spell at work I spent an entire day listening to the recorded output of Lucifer’s Friend. From their early prog days up until 1994’s forgotten ‘Sumogrip’.
Some would say that wasn’t an official Lucifer’s Friend album, their last proper effort being 1981’s ‘Mean Machine.’
Regardless it was a pleasure reacquainting myself with their music. So it was somewhat of a surprise to see this brand new album on the shelves, the result of their reformation in 2015.
Thankfully three fifths of the original lineup are still present, Lawton, Hesslein and Horns, giving this some measure of credibility.
The speculation naturally lies in what direction the band’s opted for here. Suffice to say, people will be disappointed in some aspects. Particularly if you were hoping for a return to similarities to ‘Where The Groupies Killed The Blues’ or ‘Mind Exploding’.
For AORsters however, this follows in the mould of melodic rock as ‘Sumogrip’ with nods to aspects of their past.
The Songs
‘Demolition Man’ is a heavy opener, not far removed from recent Uriah Heep, with former Heep man Lawton still in fine voice.
The keyboards play a prominent role and the guitars surge nicely. It could be 1989 for all we know, steeped in a throwback AOR sound that works well.
Hesslein’s identifiable guitar sound is at the forefront of ‘Joker’s And Fools’. Coupled with a stunning hook it results in a modern day classic for the band.
‘When The Children Cry’ takes the epic ballad route and has a soundtrack feel, with symphonic keys all over.
‘Straight For The Heart’ is as AOR as the title sounds. It recalls Lawton’s own solo flirtations in the past, his influence all over the album.
‘Tell Me Why’ is a rewrite of 1981’s ‘Hey Driver’ and utilizes the same riff and pace that track did. It still works however.
It’s followed by the AOR overload of ‘Don’t Talk To Strangers’ which gives this album great momentum.
The Heep comparisons are hard to ignore once again, this time on ‘I Will Be There’ which has a pomp edge to the keyboards.
‘This Time’ moves in a bluesy direction. It’s quite restrained and uses a ton of vintage Hammond Organ, giving it a 70’s touch.
‘Tears’ is another late 80’s AOR sounding track, with an extended synth solo in the mix. This one has tremendous atmosphere, like being in a time capsule to melodic rock’s glory days.
‘Sea Of Promises’ sounds like a deliberate attempt to revisit the bands heavier sound of the 70’s. Although obviously touched up to suit modern day sensibilities production wise. It also reinforces what a superb guitarist Hesslein is.
The same could be said for ‘Brothers Without A Name’ also. The chorus here one of the best on the album. It’s a blend of the old versus the new and comes off without a hitch.
In Summary
An excellent comeback that should please longtime fans of Lucifer’s Friend, especially those who prefer their melodic side.
You can tell they’ve tried to please everyone, but for all intents and purposes this is as AOR as it gets.
One of the better albums I’ve heard this year. It’s one that should stand tall in any best of list that comes at years end.
Lucifer’s Friend on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
