69 EYES
THE 69 EYES- “Death Of Darkness”
By Iron Sheik
Right on the heels of doing a guest spot on the BLAK29 album “The Waiting”, Jyrki 69 returns with his band THE 69 EYES. Their new effort is “Death Of Darkness” which seems to be in line with their past as well as a play on words, playing on music styles like heavy metal and rock and roll. They seem to be courting the edge of pop, Goth'n'roll, as they dubbed it.
For better or worse, I hear “Rebel Yell” leanings ala BILLY IDOL, spaghetti western style music, Goth rock washes, Ghost Riders” era OUTLAWS, 80s new wave, and THE DAMNED worship throughout. Even at moments it's as if Ric Ocasek is back playing guitar. Quite a mix, and they sound as mentioned like they are leaning heavier into pop Goth territory or self described goth'n'roll. If that was not a category before, it is now.
Every song sounds like it was made for radio. Singer Jyrki 69's vocals take a backseat to the gang vocals, but when they take center stage it's as if his baritone is not quite full baritone. He definitely sings in the range of Peter Steele, (R.I.P.) At times it sounds as if it isn't a true baritone. Maybe he can sing in a higher register as well as the lower ones. It might be due to his voice being considered low and operatic. Operatic does it for me every time.
For a band in their thirty-first year they sound fresh. All nitpicking aside this actually this is a pretty accessible rocking album. It is even more unreal that there has never been a lineup change in all these years. They can play whatever style they choose and sound Damned good.