The 69 Eyes – Universal Monsters

The infamous ‘Helsinki Vampires’ are back with their 11th studio album- Universal Monsters. A band whose discography spans decades, The 69 Eyes are one of the most notorious Goth rock bands to date. With a sound as recognizable as the musicians themselves, there is an instantaneous recognition with any 69 Eyes song- and this album is no exception.

As a whole, Universal Monsters encompasses the band’s unique sound in totality- as in, the music sounds exactly like what you’d expect from The 69 Eyes. Although much of the sound is a monumental throwback to their 2002 release Paris Kills, you can still hear the immense creativity within this 2016 release. Each album showcases the band’s evolution, and Universal Monsters is a milestone in regards to the band’s sound. Each song is perfectly tailored, features unique touches such as Santa Cruz on backing vocals, the implementation of typically unheard musical instruments in hard rock, and an overall fresh melody. Each song seems to truly jump musical eras. 

As important as the music is, an album’s visual presence is equally significant. The cover artwork of Universal Monsters was created by artistic mastermind Ville Juurikkala (known for his work with a slew of well-known musical talent). Coinciding with the album title, each member of The 69 Eyes are portrayed in a traditional monster-film style.  The album’s first single and music video Jet Fighter Plane are an excellent example of how the collaboration between a brilliant artist and an exceptionally talented band can come together to create something incredible. 

http://https://youtu.be/gDaN1JFAliY

The album opens with Dolce Vita, a hard rock intro that tosses you directly into this album. Guitarists Bazi and Timo-Timo really shine in this piece, leading into the talent of bassist Archzie and drummer Jussi. Jyrki’s vocals immediately capture your attention about thirty seconds in, with deep, edgy vocals reminiscent of an entirely different time in rock history. The chorus has a catchy hook to it that really ropes you into the music- and doesn’t let go.

Jet Fighter Plane is a very melodic and moody piece, showcasing Jyrki’s more symphonic voice, rather than the hard edge of Dolce Vita. The partnered music video truly brings this song to life. This song is reminiscent of a Cold War-era sound, representing the band’s political stance.

The third song on the album is Blackbird Pie, which features a unique combination of Celtic melody with hard rock features. Although this song is slower than the opening track, it certainly picks up the pace after Jet Fighter Plane. The subject matter varies from the first two songs on the album, and leads into the songs following.

Lady Darkness is the fourth track on Universal Monsters, and one of the most traditionally melodic. The beautiful high notes really set this song apart from the rest on the album, and gives a very nostalgic feel to The 69 Eyes fans that have followed the band from the beginning. Many elements in this song give beautiful reminders of the band’s most romantic tracks.

Followed closely by Miss Pastis, this song throws the album back on the hard rock track. Much like Lady Darkness, this song hints at past The 69 Eyes tracks that fans adore. Miss Pastis features a French chorus and infamous sound, adequately representing the vibe of the country. A fun song that makes you want to get up and dance, this melody is a great addition to the album.

The sixth track, Shallow Graves, is pure horror-fanatic joy. A song that could easily appear on any classic film of the genre, this song is the pure epitome of The 69 Eyes. With brilliant lyrics and edgy, dark vocals, lovely chorus symphony, Shallow Graves is a winner on this album. Each member really showcases their unique talent.

Universal Monsters slows down significantly with the track Jerusalem, a very Morrison-esque track with incredible melodic, soft vocals. The lyrics are equally beautiful, referencing the narrative of the Queen of Sheba and her role in Jerusalem. A great centerpiece on this album.

Stiv & Johnny epitomizes pure rock n’ roll, rebellious subject matter. The guitar solo is equally rad, reminding us of what this genre is truly about. Never is the ninth track on the album, and the catchiest one yet, that works perfectly with Stiv & Johnny. This is certainly the track that will follow you long after the album ends, with simple but effective lyrics that will endlessly dance in your mind.

The song before last is Blue, a very slow, soft track that embodies Goth rock to its fullest. The poetic lyricism and moody sound are key characteristics of the genre, and this song features each to its completest. The sound almost sounds monotone, like it should be paired with a monochromatic image to accompany it.

The climactic track is Rock n’ Roll Junkie, the ultimate finish to Universal Monsters. Channeling the band’s roots and its rock influences, this track is a fun catch that ties everything together into a neat little bow. A song that would transfer to the live show well, each and every listener will be up and dancing once it hits the speakers.

In conclusion, this eleventh studio album from The 69 Eyes is well worth a listen. 

Connect with The 69 Eyes (click icons):