LOLLIPOP LUST KILL
"My
So Called Knife" (Artemis Records)
Reviewed by Jason Savage
Murder music, serial killer metal, horror movie metal, these are just a few of the titles that best describe what Toledo, Ohio's Lollipop Lust Kill have to offer. I had the chance to see these guys open for Coal Chamber and was very impressed with their music. It definitely can't be melded into the nu metal genre. LLK is much too diverse and talented for that label. The original version of the group was formed roughly eight years ago by three members; guitarist Pill, bassist D. Human, and guitarist DeadGreg. Vocalist Evvy Pedder was discovered in 1996 and drummer Knits and keyboardist Killer K. were added in 1997. After changing their name from the Candy Killers to LLK they released the three-song EP "Candy Canes & Razor Blades" in 1997 and the 2000 full length, "Motel Murder Madness," before being signed to Artemis Records, who are known for their "artist friendly' approach.
Produced by Sylvia Massy Shivy - best known for her work with Tool, Powerman 5000, and
Sevendust - "My So Called Knife" cuts deep into the jugular with its sharp hooks and dark lyrics. Pedder's vocal range comes across as a demented split personality. While singing "Black All Over," he invokes a similar style used by Edsel Dope during Dope's song "Pig Society." When the eerie sideshow anthem "Like a Disease," oozes from my speakers he sounds like Dax Riggs from the under-rated Bayou metal act, Acid Bath. The chorus on "Father" casts shadows of gothic brilliance. Throw in some Bowie meets Phil Anselmo on "Knee Deep in the Dead,"
(my favorite track) and you have a twisted carney barker with multiple personalities.
Musically, I hear many combinations in this melting pot of metal stew. Manson, Pantera, Zombie, death, goth and even some mutant hybrid of 80's new wave. This is very evident on "Sad Excuse for a Grip" and LLK's cover of the Depeche Mode pop ode "Personal Jesus." "Perfect Woman" utilizes a strange fusion of blues, jazz and goth metal and would be very at home on any David Lynch movie soundtrack. "Bury You" crosses into Clutch territory with
its vocals and Sabbath style riffs.
This effort kicks ass from start to finish. No two songs sound the same and Pedder's many vocal outbursts mix well together. Could this be what Gene Simmons would sound like if he smoked cigarettes and did drugs? Listen to "Can't Get Away" and "Kill Greedy" and tell me you hear it too! Mark my words; this WILL be one of the next biggest bands in the near future!
Lollipop Lust Kill is: Evvy Pedder - vocals; DeadGreg - guitar; pill - guitar;
Dhuman - bass; Knits - drums; Killer K. - keyboards/samples
Check 'em out at: http://www.lollipoplustkill.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
Back to RoughEdge.com home page
Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 05 Sep 2021 13:34:10 -0400.
