By Jim Rowland
One of the key bands from the gothic rock movement of the ’80s and early ’90s, Cannock’s Balaam And The Angel are back with an intact original line-up and their first new material in more 30 years with a brand new four track EP ‘Forces Of Evil’.
‘Forces Of Evil’ is a collection of recently recorded songs which celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band’s first four track EP ‘World Of Light’, which was released in November 1984, and develops some unused ideas that date back to the band’s original tenure.
The sound of ‘Forces Of Evil’ successfully marries the feel of the bands darker past with the punchier edge of their later releases, sticking to what they always did best and not straying far from the band’s alternative/gothic rock roots. Lead track ‘Dancing Senseless’ is a punchy, up tempo rocker with a really strong chorus, with ‘Feel The Silence’ following similar lines with a slightly harder edge. ‘Forces Of Evil’ and ‘Afterlife’ head down a darker, more atmospheric route, with the latter benefitting from subtle electronic textures.
In places reminiscent of big hitters from the era such as The Mission and The Cult, both of whom they toured with back in the day, ‘Forces Of Evil’ is a strong, well-produced EP and a great way for Balaam And The Angel to bounce back.
In keeping with that first EP released almost 40 years ago to the day, this new EP is a vinyl only release, so no CD or cassette, although it will also be available as a digital release.
- ‘Forces Of Evil‘ is out now.
- Balaam And The Angel head out on tour from tomorrow (Friday 8 November):
