Inkubus Sukkubus - The Goat

Inkubus Sukkubus has been around a long time. I know them from some German "gothrock" compilations but have never listened or puchased an album of them. It just never impressed me.

However: "Goth rock" - There is nothing gothrock about their music. To me it sounds like female fronted rock with a soft metal touch. A bit like Bonnie Tyler or Lita Ford. Or a somewhat softer version of my countrymen Within Temptation or Epica. Granted, its a bit darker, but still miles away musically to UK Decay or The Sisters of Mercy. So, female fronted rock/metal. Glad we got that settled. Maybe they were a proper gothrock band in their early days, but this album sure isn't gothrock even if they have their own version of Dr Avalanche.

It's not a bad band. And there lies the problem. To be on top in this genre you need to be a damn good band, and Inkubus Sukkubus is just above par. The songs are nice, sometimes even catchy (with "Two Penny Whore" as the undisputed winner), but singer Candia Ridley is just short of getting to the level of the great ladies of rock, and i think the guitar work is only just adequate. Especially the metal riffs are pretty stale and the playing isn't really impressive. The band is at its best when playing acoustic songs, reminding quite of current neofolk. "Forever" is quite the nice song and the acoustic version of "Pagan born" is also good. Its even somewhat disappointing to listen to those songs and have them followed by a standard rock song with standard metal riffs.

I am not sure what to make of this record given that "female fronted rock" is really not my thing. I guess if you like Within Temptation or Evanescence you will find this enjoyable as well. Personally i would love to hear these guys and girl go all neofolk on us, since the acoustic songs are the real standouts for me. Jun 10 2012