This is a most interesting release from a band I wasn't really familiar with before. Hailing from Sweden, Blackshine call their music "Goth And Roll" for its mixture of gloominess and raw power. However, I don't really find that to be a good description. The energy level here is much, much higher than any goth release I've heard and the tunes are very raw and heavy. Metal fans will have no problem with this, as parts of it are easily comparable to Motorhead and especially the more recent stuff from Entombed. The musical structures are fairly simple and there's a dirty, punky feeling to the music. Over this rough backbone, Blackshine layers some minor-key guitar chords and progressions, which gives their material the gothic feel. The vocals are kind of gravelly but always understandable.

It all works pretty well. Blackshine find themselves in a kind of comfort zone where heavy metal, punk, goth and rock can co-exist. Plus there's a lot of ghoulish goings-on in the lyrics, indicated by the excellent "Carrie" inspired cover. Misfits fans should dig this, too. This is a strong release by a band that definitely has its own spooky identity.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2002 Year Book Volume 2 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2001-and-2002.