The pioneers of
deathrock, Mephisto Walz, have returned with the new album "All
These Winding Roads". The album is now available digital, released
September 2nd, but will also be out on CD by Dark Vinyl Records. Mephisto Walz
was formed in 1986 by Barry Galvin (aka Bari-Bari) after his departure from the
influential deathrock band Christian Death. After a long career Bari-Bari is
now with Myriam Galvin on vocals and had first worked together on their
previous album "Scoundrel" in 2017.
As stated by
Bari-Bari, who has done all the production, the album is described as “New
vocalists, new songs, unreleased tracks, old vocalists merged into a new release”.
Something that is obvious from the first track "The Lost And Haunted"
that features Veronica Campbell (of Death Loves Veronica) on vocals and words.
Then on "They'll Never Find You", a great track that shows that
Mephisto Walz still have what it takes, we have Mari Kattman on vocals with Myriam writing the words. Next is the cover
of The Hollies pop song "Stop In The Name Of Love" featuring on
vocals Christine Leonard, Mephisto Walz’s first female singer. While on "Is
This Really My Life" with Mari Kattman on vocals and Myriam writing the words we have one of the more
ethereal songs of the album. As on all the album, we hear Bari-Bari's signature
songwriting style and distinctive wall of chorus/delay-effected guitar sound. Another
cover follows with the 1960’s instrumental "Apache" written by Jerry
Lordan.
Veronica
Campbell appears also on "When No One's Left To Hear", a classic upbeat
oldschool deathrock track. The cover "Like The Wind" follows with vocals
provided by Alastrelle Delyon (of Dead Souls Rising). A 80’s rock song written by
an unknown artists that has become famous as “The Most Mysterious Song On
The Internet”. Things calm down and get darker on "Here Lies
Forever" featuring Veronica Campbell who provides once again vocals and
words. In the same vein, but more atmospheric, we have "Firefly" with
vocals and lyrics provided by Johna. We get to hear beloved Christine Leonard
again on "Skin", the classic Madonna cover originally released on the
"Virgin Voices / A Tribute To Madonna" in 2000. The album closes with
the more dynamic "Suntanned Satans", with thumping drums, screaming
guitars and Bari-Bari taking lead vocals.
Review by Nick
Drivas
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