SISTER SIN – Dance Of The Wicked [re-release + bonus] (2013)

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Since formed almost fifteen years ago, Swedes SISTER SIN caught the public’s attention through their reckless, gritty attitude and their passionate hard rock sound. The band’s last album (presented here) showed the evolution of this female fronted quartet in all its potential.
Backed up by their new record company, Sister Sin decided to re-release their first out-of-print album “Dance Of The Wicked” originally appeared ten years ago, in a remastered version and adding some extra goodies to it: 3 previously unreleased tracks, a cover of Motörhead’s “Rock ‘N’ Roll” featuring Doro (which I highly recommend because it’s beyond catchy), all-new artwork, a poster and a bonus DVD with all 10 Sister Sin Official music videos.

Sister Sin loves classic American hard rock, a style the band have been polished all this time, but this, their introduction to the Rock world, showcases the group in its primal, chugging and razor sharp delivery. In fact, “Dance Of The Wicked” really sounds like it has been produced back in the ’80s.

Fans of Sister Sin stay true to this act because these guys have a very interesting and unique element throughout their songs: Liv Jagrell’s voice. It has that rugged touch to it that makes the whole thing sound incredibly sexy and empowering. Musically, the band rocks here in the old fashioned way; this is pure ‘edgy’ Female Fronted Hard Rock driven by killer riffs, some thunderous rhythm section and hot, incendiary solos.

“Kiss Of The Sky” opens the CD with raspy live vibe and a kick ass attitude, followed by contagious title track “Dance Of The Wicked” where the ghost of Girlschool emerges through Liv’s powerful throat.
“Falling Into My Dreams” has a real built to last mean Motley Crue’s ‘Looks That Kill’ crunch. “Love Lies” smashes the silence with some passion and verve, one of the more melodic tracks of the album. Then the menacing Skid Row-esque “Dirty Dam I” rocks hard again and in your face over melting guitars.

“Tragedy Love Company” is the ballad but in a mid-paced tempo where the distorted guitars remain in the background and Liv’s way of sing reminds me Babys In Toyland.
The cover of “Paint It Black” is top notch and can be thought as good as that of W.A.S.P’s rendition. Jagrell’s voice leaves chills with a haunting hum over the well-known tune. “Rock ‘N’ Roll” is another great cover (a more recent recording) featuring Doro as guest and placed at the end of the album as bonus.
Talking about the bonus tracks, these previously unreleased demos are damn good too and come across as real songs with good production; “Minor You (Major Me)” features angry vocals and a catchy chorus, “Writings On The Wall” is an intense corker recalling Lita Ford, while in “Head Over Heels For Love” Twisted Sister is certainly a band that comes to mind with these familiar ’80s sounds – but with female vocals.

I never heard the original release of “Dance Of The Wicked” but this re-mastered version is a sonic strike of lightning and thunder, a flick of the switch, a blazing epiphany of some kick ass Female Fronted Hard Rock inspired in the ’80s.
The songwriting would have required a little polish (it’s clear they found their inner strength later in this department), but each song is an anthem that smell spandex and bandanas, this is something new done to something that may never get old. The band rocks, and Liv put the fire ON with her tremendous vocals (quite accented yet doesn’t bother at all).
“Dance Of The Wicked” CD/DVD (at a price of a standard CD, a great value for money) got released last Tuesday in North America and will be hitting the streets tomorrow in Europe.
R-O-C-K-S

01 – Kiss The Sky
02 – Dance Of The Wicked
03 – Fall Into My Dreams
04 – End Of The Beggining
05 – Love Lies
06 – Dirty Damn I
07 – Paint It Black
08 – Tragedy Loves Company
09 – Minor You (Major Me) [demo – bonus track]
10 – Writings On The Wall (Demo) [demo – bonus track]
11 – Head Over Heels For Love (Demo) [demo – bonus track]
12 – Rock N Roll (feat. Doro) [bonus track]

Liv Jagrell – Vocals
Johnny Sinn – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Chris Casey – Bass, Backing Vocals
Dave Fonda – Drums, Backing Vocals

BUY IT !
www.victorymerch.com/merch/cds/33100/sister-sin-dance-of-the-wicked-cd