THE CRUEL INTENTIONS – Venomous Anonymous (2022)
We were already impressed with THE CRUEL INTENTIONS debut CD and now 2022 after hard working into the studio we have the band’s second effort “Venomous Anonymous“. Fueled by drive, love and passion this is versatile and diverse summer present to all rock’n’lovers.
The band from Norway that has been described as “The bastard child of Guns N’ Roses and Hanoi Rocks” are a reckless and intoxicating mix of old school ’80s sleaze and modern hard rock. Bringing forth fast paced, humorous and hard-hitting music inspired by legends, and made to captivate a whole new generation of restless and fun loving rock and rollers.
Their streaming numbers have been solid since 2018 and have recently exploded through their music being featured in the new HBO series The Peacemaker from the DC Comics universe. And I can see why; the songs on “Venomous Anonymous” are catchy, rocking, fun 3-minute hard rockers with lots of energy produced, mixed and mastered by talented Erik Martensson (Eclipse, W.E.T.), who also contributes additional guitars and backing vocals.
Much Sleazy fun and frolics are to be had via the second album from these rollicking rockers with a sense of humour and a seemingly constant availability when it comes to party time. Singer/guitarist Lizzy DeVine, formerly of Sweden’s Vains Of Jenna, fronts this foursome whose particular take on the rock ’n’ roll formula has already been compared to the output of 1980s Glam / Hard Rock Finnish hotshots Hanoi Rocks.
The sense of humour is made apparent by some colourful lyrics (check out ‘Final Deathroll’, you might never go on a Transatlantic flight with these guys) and some of the song titles – ‘Casket Case’ (instead of Basket Case) and ‘Reapercussion’ (as in, you know, The Reaper? Geddit?).
Highlights include the aforementioned ‘Casket Case’ with its (almost) Sweet Child O’ Mine intro and atmospheric outro, and particularly energetic track ‘Kerosone’ (or is it Karosene? Dunno, maybe one pun too many). ‘Final Deathroll’ follows the anthemic, melodic formula – is the “Halfway there?” potential singalong bit a nod to Bon Jovi?! – while most interesting of all are the very accomplished ‘Bad Vibes’ and the ballad-y, Swedish-language ‘Salt I Ditt Sar’ (salt in the wound).
”Venomous Anonymous” won’t break down any barriers or inspire a revolution but it’s still a blast, and sounds great played loud – production, mixing and mastering by Erik Martensson, who also contributes additional guitars and backing vocals.
Highly Recommended
01 – Reapercussion
02 – Venomous Anonymous
03 – Sunrise over Sunset
04 – Casket Case
05 – Kerosene
06 – Salt i Ditt Sår
07 – Final Deathroll
08 – Goddamn Monday
09 – Bad Vibes
10 – Chemical Vacation
11 – City of Lice
Lizzy DeVine – Vocals & Guitar
Kristian Solhaug – Guitar
Mats Wernerson- Bass
Robin Nilsson – Drums
Erik Martensson – Additional guitars, backing vocals
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