I’ll never fathom why Lillian Axe never hit the big time in the 80s. They were the complete package: big choruses, big harmonies, major label deal… I guess they just weren’t dumb enough for a crowd embracing Mötley Crüe and Poison. Even classic albums like “Love+War” and “Poetic Justice” can’t defeat those odds….

After a hiatus, the band reformed in 99, which led to an excellent live album, 2007s Waters Rising and this brand new effort.

Lillian Axe are one of the rare bands that have managed to update their sound without sounding contrived or losing their identity in the process, as opening track “Megaslowfade” (not counting the moody intro “Cocoon”) ably demonstrates. The same can be said for following tracks “Jesus Wept” and “Ignite”.  “The Grand Scale Of Finality” injects some swing into the proceedings.  Title track “Sad Day On Planet Earth” is an epic ballad in typical Lillian Axe style.  “Hibernate” is another great emotional track. A showcase on how to incorporate contemporary elements in a classic sound as well.  Another ballad, “Within Your Reach” is a more delicate and tender affair. Wouldn’t be out of place on Poetic Justice, and that is saying something! An excellent guitar solo is the cherry on the cake. “Down Below The Ocean” is a heavy bruiser, menacing and quite dark. “Blood Raining Down On Her Wings”, “Cold Day In Hell” and “Nocturnal Symphony” are more from the same recipe. Typical mid tempo Lillian Axe songs with catchy choruses and some tasteful guitar playing. “Divine” leaves the beaten path somewhat, taking a couple of adventurous turns in its structure. As you’d expect from a song with a title like “Kill Me Again” this is one of the darker tracks on the album. The ominous “Fire, Blood, The Earth & Sea” is a fitting closer for this epic album.

Overall the album is a lot more moody and edgy than the band’s classic recordings.
The songs are there, Stevie Blaze’s immaculate guitar is on call and there is just enough down tuning to drag this into the 21^st century. Singer Derrick LeFevre doesn’t sound all that different from his illustrious predecessor Ron Taylor, which is a major factor in retaining the band’s typical sound.

A truly great album by this woefully underrated band.