Company: Spookshow Records Release: 2015 Genre: Hard rock, punk Reviewer: Greg Watson
A hidden gem
Unfairly labeled as horror punk, Calabrese are more of a hard rock/punk-infused band that have some horror elements to them but are not solely based on that theme. Their latest album, "Lust for Sacrilege", is a fun, raucous romp with a few slower, more deliberate songs. The vocals are an insanely catchy mix of Danzig and Roland Orzabal from Tears for Fears. At times the bravado and timbre of Danzig comes right at you ("Down In Misery", "Gimme War") while on others, the sonorous and melodic vocals reminiscent of the Tears for Fears vocalist soothe your soul ("Flesh and Blood", "The Dark Is Who I Am"). The music ranges from a, sort of, Volbeat rockabilly to classic punk to an almost pure country feel, albeit the country coming only on the album's final track. What I found to be so incredible about this album is the sheer listenability of it. At any point on any given day, I could throw this on and go to any song and immediately be sucked in and immersed in--hooks, catchy vocals and an infectious sound. The varying sound styles and vocal delivery really keep your attention and the songwriting is very solid, with no one track sounding like another. This is a hidden gem that once discovered, will continually blind you with its brilliance and beauty.
