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Back in 1988 as a young headbanger, I was in a constant, never-ending
search for new Metal to permeate my impressionable ears. A vivid memory I
have was being in a local department store with my grandmother and despite
having only five dollars, I was determined to purchase something new on
cassette to expand my musical horizons during the lonely, hot summer. I
came across one of the many compilations that filled the shelves in those
days which was entitled "Metal Meltdown". I'd like to think I still have
this cassette in a box somewhere for it introduced me to so many good
bands: W.A.S.P., ACCEPT, and a band out of L.A. that had a darkly
sophisticated take on Heavy Metal, LIZZY BORDEN. Hearing "Me Against the
World" for the first time with its tenaciously biting approach began a
long-lasting relationship with the band as a dedicated fan. Let it be
known that LIZZY BORDEN is NOT a Glam band! First, any doubters should
commence to listen to the band's debut EP, "Give 'Em the Axe," and will
immediately notice an undeniably heavy, hungry band for 1984, one that
rivals the sound of the legions of NWOTHM bands that have recently popped
up across the musical landscape and has more to do with Blackie Lawless's
W.A.S.P. than MOTLEY CRUE or RATT.
Like the millions of other LIZZY BORDEN fans, I've had an insatiable
hunger for new material from the band since the brilliant 2007 album,
"Appointment with Death". Thankfully, the wait is over. "My Midnight
Things" is an album devoid of all the silliness that accompanies most
bands' comeback albums. This is not one! Though it has been eleven
years, this album does not sound like a release in order for some
washed-up artist to try and test the waters again to determine his
relevancy. Lizzy has managed to survey his past work while keeping the
pulse of the modern scene (though not being dictated by it) to effectively
create another album rivaling his greatest works and filled with his
timeless storytelling.
Huge guitar melodies open the ceremonies with the title track. The song
is characterized by a simple riff, one that is repeated rhythmically
throughout the verse with keyboard ambience. "I want you to see me for
what I am to believe that I can be your everything." The verse outlines
the intent behind the song, a pointed obsession that burns deep within.
The song is simply one of the absolute catchiest, most infectious songs
I've heard in a long, long time. This showcases the songwriting talents
of a true Metal warrior who has paid his dues and delivers with a
tasteful, hummable, and striking sensibility. The chorus erupts to a
memorable, modern sound which takes the song to the next level. A true
treat is the last verse as it is sung over a pulsing, distorted bass
providing the musical basis. The last scream in the song is one to make
even KING DIAMOND proud. The second track, "Obsessed with You" is another
track helped out by simple, fist-pumping riffs. A side of Lizzy's vocals
is showcased that I've never heard: a full, resonant baritone that
parallels the greatest moments of one Geoff Tate.
"Long May They Haunt Us," the third track, has a main melody aided by a
classic Rock 'N Roll vibe, the same vibe as from The Misfits' "Some Kind
of Hate" or The Ramones' "The KKK Took My Baby Away". The chorus,
however, diverts to a sublimely catchy exercise in honor of those we have
all lost: long may they haunt us! The sixth track, "The Perfect Poison,"
has its own unique vibe starting with the effects-driven vocals that begin
the song. It has a very controlled feeling like all of the excitement for
the huge chorus is successfully held below the consciousness of the
musical moment. The fact that Lizzy approached the recording process in
the same manner as THE BEATLES or QUEEN is truly apparent throughout "My
Midnight Things," and apparently so in the ninth track's reprisal of the
title track. It obviously revisits the first track, but simply contains
just vocals and keyboards. At times, one thinks of QUEEN due to the way
the vocals are harmonized and multi-tracked. It's a different perspective
of the intent behind what was such a heavy lead track that is now a solemn
catharsis of the soul, beautifully written, carefully assembled, and
expertly executed as it illuminates a larger perspective of meaning behind
the two tracks.
Anyone not subscribing to the fact that LIZZY BORDEN is a supreme vocal
talent need only listen to this to have a change of mind. While it seems
redundant due to the band bearing his name, Lizzy is the star. His vocals
perform melody and harmony with an intensity rivalled by few. He truly
does have an impressive range, a skill akin to the diversity of a guitar
player, for example, like Steve Vai for Borden was recorded in 1989 as
having a seven-octave vocal range, something made triumphantly apparent on
this record.
The songwriting is like a master class from a teacher who could believably
have had numerous number one records. In reality, it's a testament to the
unjust nature of a domestic music industry that is prejudiced by anything
BUT talent! Lizzy is not just some bobblehead singer performing what's
written for him but has written everything and performed almost everything
within this career-topping opus. Now is the perfect time to recant your
sins and allow LIZZY BORDEN to come into your heart and fill it with
glorious, pounding, furious, and emotional songs to reside there ad
infinitum. "My Midnight Things" would be a success based upon the
impressive energy behind the songs, but it is the level of ingenuity, the
fresh take on the old craft, that is truly impressive. These are songs
that have taken root and have lived in my brain for the past few weeks,
and I've found myself listening to this record more for pleasure than to
complete this article. I suppose there could be no better testament.
Just like thirty years ago, LIZZY BORDEN has released an album that must
be labelled as essential summer listening!
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