Review: Lillian Axe "Waters Rising"

Man, was I excited to hear about a new CD from Lillian Axe! They rocked my world in the early 90s with their CD "Poetic Justice." Their subsequent release in 1993 (Psychoschizophrenia) was also pretty good, but exhibited a shift to a harder, less melodic sound. Still, it had plenty of good moments. Then these talented guys faded from the scene (thank you grunge rock!) and I figured they were out delivering pizzas or painting billboards.

But enter 2007 and Lillian Axe wants to - ahem - bury the hatchet. The new release, "Waters Rising," is earning good reviews from devoted fans around the net so I had to check it out. But, just like I experienced with Europe's "Secret Society," this comeback record left me deeply disappointed. Why can't more of the old bands do it right (like the Scorpions?)

Lillian Axe has plunged full force into the abyss of heavy prog rock that is devoid of hooks and memorable melodies. Most of the songs are epic in proportion, some lasting 6-8 minutes. That would be fine, but they just wander aimlessly and have you just praying for the damn thing to end. Lead singer Steve Blaze sounds great after all these years, and the production is solid (some tunes have orchestration that could be used in the movies), but sadly the songs just suck.

Official site.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 7