Founded in 1995 in southern Germany, VOODOO KISS quickly made a name for themselves in their homeland and became a local cult band. After several line-up changes, VOODOO KISS were buried in 2000.
As part of the 25th anniversary of the Summer Breeze Open Air, VOODOO KISS reunited with three original members – Martin Beuther (guitar), Klaus Wieland (bass) and Achim Ostertag (drums) – with Gerrit Mutz (Sacred Steel), a well-known singer from the German metal scene, and Steffi Stuber (Mission In Black) on board on vocals, recording a self-titled comeback album.
Now 2024 VOODOO KISS are back with their arsenal of classic metal / hard rock power chords, hooks, and stirring melodies on their upcoming new album “Feel The Curse“. This is traditional stuff that span everything from aspects of Iron Maiden, Demon, Pretty Maids, etc – well served with energy, melody, and polished production.
There’s classic riffs all over indeed. Take as example “Spellbound In Your Eyes” – the song reverts back to early Maiden days, although the straightforward bass / drum work keeps the sinister main riffs top of mind – Gerrit slithering his word delivery in a bone-chilling mid-range that keeps the listener engaged to the subsequent verses through the dramatic chorus.
Fluid acoustic guitar passages give “Dr. Evil” a progressive feel before turning sideways into a highway driven anthem template, while “Lords of Darkness” contains some 70s-like atmosphere circa Rainbow, guitarist Martin Beuther showcasing multiple facets of his thoughtful playing, keeping the transitions intuitive while switching between electric and acoustic instrumentation.
The nature of this material contains all the major jumping off points to cause people to stand, shout, and join in unison celebrations to the pure energy that makes you think this band could easily transport themselves back to 1984 and fit in with their brethren.
We all know at this point in time that Voodoo Kiss isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel when it comes to ”Feel the Curse” – they feel exhilaration in just keeping forward momentum so that classic heavy, guitar-driven metal will not die.
Those into that early NWOBHM, American and German type of music that hit the streets from the late 70s through the mid-80s will love this.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. Feel the Curse
02. Angel Demon
03. Spellbound by Her Eyes
04. Dr. Evil
05. Lords of Darkness
06. Kiss or Kill
07. On Wings of Serpent Dreams
Voodoo Kiss – Feel the Curse 2024