Force Of Evil
[Diamond Records]

When musicians form so-called "supergroups", it's nearly impossible not to compare the new project to their old work. In the case of Force Of Evil, it's really unfair, as they are comprised of former and current members of legends King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. This proves to be especially hard to review for me, as both are two of my favorite bands. I tried to listen with fresh, unbiased ears, but the comparisons can't be repressed.

Force Of Evil has the classic KD/MF sound, with a thrashy ("Hell On Earth") sort of NWOBHM ("Samhain") vibe. One curious part of their sound is a latter-day Skid Row-ish quality to a few of the songs, particularly "Misery Man", with a street-wise sort of trashy feel to it. There are plenty of guitars (courtesy of six-string gods Michael Denner and hank Shermann), with some great rhythm playing to go along with the expectedly stellar leads. The rhythm section of Hal Patino (bass) and Bjarne T. Holm (drums) is solid and tight. What is the problem, you ask? The vocals.

While having a decent voice for melodic metal, Martin Steene just tries too hard to live up to the King's legacy, and although it's unfair to comparre the two men, it's inevitable. Steene has a very plain sort of voice, without a lot of character to distinguish him from other singers. He certainly can sing, and his range is quite wide (In his middle to higher range, he reminds me a bit of a less colorful or controlled Sebastian Bach). The thing is, he tries much too hard to sound like King Diamond so much at times, it is like hearing a KD/MF cover band. He utilizes the multiple vocal technique (low/extremely high) quite often a la Mr. Diamond, as well as some of the King's trademark menacing spoken word passages. IMO, he fails to elicit any sort of chills or dread like only Mr. Peterson can, and he lacks his dramtic flair. It's a damn shame, because the music is quite good. I suppose it's unfair to compare Martin Steene to such a legend, as I'm sure he was brought into the project because of his slight vocal resemblance to KD, but he could really try to carve out his own niche.

Force Of Evil sports a decent production, with solidly recorded guitars and drums. The overall sound is a bit thin and midrange-y, with a hollow sort of low end. The mix is good, with the vocals perching comfortably atop the multiple guitars.

I really wish I didn't know who was in this band before I listened to it, as it has obviously tainted my view of it. No disrepect to Martin Steene, as he is a very capable vocalist, but I think I'll stick to listening to my copies of Melissa and Abigail.