Released
1996

Label
Delinquent Records

Reviewed by
Dr. Donald J. Netolitzky

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Last Edit/Update
03 July, 1999

Morphine Angel

Lovenest + Murderfest

Track Listing

1. 45 Gods
2. Antistatist
3. Fine Homeland
4. Day One
5. Razor Dog
6. O. G. G.
7. Daimon
8. The Pit
9. Red Daemon Lives
10. Partytime
11. The Gate
12. Ice
13. Breakfast with Cthulu

     Morphine Angel has become a fairly well established underground gothic presence, following the release of a second album, Lovenest + Murderfest, and with additional works in preparation. Using the classic 'goth' instrument set, guitar, bass, drumset, and minimal keyboard/samples, Lovenest + Murderfest presents a number of studio recorded and live pieces, evoking an uneasy compromise of forms and sensations. Instrumental proficiency and accuracy, yet an unfocused, overly simple, clumsy product.
    A variety of styles are invoked throughout this album. The first track, "45 Gods", is quite reminiscent of early Sisters of Mercy; strong clear vocals against simple guitar and bass melodies and chords, backed by an basic drumbeat. "Fine Homeland", however, utilizes a substantial number of movie samples and a presumably synthetic female vocal introduction hinting at a drift towards a more electronic style, yet which elaborates into a rather slow-paced conventional gothic piece. More slow-paced compositions such as the quite effective and moody "Day One" provide a change in pace.
    Nevertheless, the album has a strongly 'metal' flavor, in two senses. Guitar styles, chords, are typically not the more elaborate constructs found within the gothic genre, but rather are simple, loud and aggressive, pounding if not wailing. This trait is particularly obvious in tracks such as "O. G. G.", "The Pit", "Partytime" and "Ice". Technically awkward elements include the extended spoken and unmitigatedly 'spooky' introduction to 'The Pit', a flavor echoed throughout the lyrics. But beyond other critique, while instrumental performances are technically competent, this strength is unfortunately coupled to a very unsophisticated, simple composition and musical structure. The richness of harmony, variations in musical motifs which could transform an unaffecting piece into a riveting composition are sadly lacking - one can only hope the artists continue to explore these possibilities.
    The album on the whole is not an unpleasant listening experience, the pace and mood of individual tracks is sufficiently varied to retain listener attention. Some pieces are likely suitable within a gothic or perhaps metal dance club environment, but hardly insistent. Those listeners who enjoy the more subtle layered euro-gothic compositions of Die Laughing, Diary of Dreams, and related projects will likely find Morphine Angel an unsatisfying experience, but those with a taste for old-school metal may wish to investigate.