13 Candles - Killing For Culture

For one thing you really can’t blame 13 CANDLES: they don’t throw their records hastily on the market. In the meantime this British Gothic band is existing for 11 years now and has just released two long players, the latter one 6 years ago. Because of the fact that these CD’s were only available in the UK, this band is here known only by a few tracks on compilations.

After the band disbanded in 99, they reunited last year again. And now 13 CANDLES finally had the chance to record this EP with a famous producer (Mags - COF, PL and MDB) and to release it European-wide. Killing For Culture absolutely could fall on rank ground, because heavy and atmospheric Gothic Rock (in this case in European style) will actually taken willingly. Furthermore in this trend-resistant genre there are only a few really good bands. So the band can move up to the top easily. A task the four Britons have tackled seriously.

The first song Sapphire (Queen Of Dusk) is already pretty cool but doesn’t kick me out of my socks yet. Powerful and because of its fat sound, almost at the border to Metal acting Gothic Rock, which gets presented experienced, qualified and stylish. The singing is enjoyably deep, mostly with clean voices and pretty multi-faceted. Nevertheless you just prick up your ears for one moment. That’s all. The following title track has much more to offer with its staccatoresque rhythm, the underlaid electronic basics and variable guitar work and for me Killing For Culture is the highlight on this CD. I think at relevant clubs this song will let the audience move easily. A bit slower but with significantly more heaviness as well as a proper portion of darkness Flesh Of The Nazarene kills. Responsible for that is first of all the opulent keyboard which never comes really to the fore but mould the sound characteristics importantly. The shortest and at the same time most metallic song Lifeless Passion is also the weakest one on Killing For Culture. Because closer Lost Child is kind of a semi ballad and let the level increase noticeably again, while oscillating between wafting bass lines and rockin‘ passages.

Upshot: A well done sign of life after a long waiting time that quickens the appetite. If a full time CD would consist tracks like Killing For Culture or Flesh Of The Nazarene, 13 CANDLES could enjoy much more great popularity. Until then it is definitely not a mistake to risk an ear.