ALBUM REVIEW: Calabrese - Lust For Sacrilege

Release Date: January 13
Year: 2015
Label: Spookshow Records

Tracklist:

1. The Dark Is Who I Am
2. Down in Misery
3. Teenage Crimewave
4. Flesh and Blood
5. Lust For Sacrilege
6. Speed And Danger
7. Wanted Man
8. Serpentflame
9. Gimme War
10. New York Ripper
11. Lords of the Wasteland
12. Drift Into Dust

CALABRESE is: Bobby Calabrese (Guitar/Vocals), Jimmy Calabrese (Bass/Vocals), Davey Calabrese (Drums)
Review by: Rob Ryles

If I had ever reviewed Calabrese before, I would disclose it, but I haven’t – so I’m saying it now for the record before I clearly state the following: these guys are the world-title belt holders in horror punk. After 11 years and six albums, these three blood brothers have warped all they learned from the mighty Lord Danzig, along with their own experiences – into a righteous middle finger raised high in a veritable “fuck you” to others in the genre.

Horror-punk can be an outright awful genre. Let’s just throw that on the table right now. There’s some utter trash out there. Calabrese have risen above that with a continuously growing spectrum of sounds. The abrupt and confronting samples and organ are gone; a wise choice for the band. It works to their advantage several times throughout the record and demonstrates just how much they have continued to mature musically.

The oft-forgotten and misunderstood Danzig 4 album rings throughout Lust for Sacrilege. There’s so much here that screams progress. This can usually spell upset and jaded fans. I doubt it here. Songs like “Down in Misery” and the primal heartfelt moments in the album closer “Drift into Dust” should act as a gateway for old fans. If you were blind to the band’s progression then let these two songs guide you into the future.

Although a lot of people detested Danzig 4, believing it to be a career-ender for the artist, with Lust for Sacrilege, Calabrese have somehow managed to kick a whole new path through the black vortex. Calabrese have always flirted with darkness but with this latest offering they’ve obviously found the key to the deepest abyss, unlocked the door, and stamped out the light.

CALABRESE – “Flesh and Blood” [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

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From the grungy-sludgier bass tones, cavernously deep drums and haunting guitar sounds that could be mistaken for whatever it is you choose when you “slip into something more comfortable,” Calabrese have really thought out every little detail on this one. Even playing with slower tempos this album rocks- oh, shocker! Don’t let your memories and nostalgia ruin what is truly a brave and honest record from a brave and honest band.

Please take note…a new standard has been set.