within%20temptation%20-%20tivoli%20april%2005%20frame%20home.jpg about%20-%20jpg.jpg reviews%20-%20jpg.jpg interviews%20-%20jpg.jpg gigs%20-%20jpg.jpg cd_review_sistersin_switchbladeserenades001006.jpg
SISTER SIN
www.sistersin.com
Self-proclaimed "street metallers" Sister Sin formed back in 2002, and although it has been stated in certain media that 'Switchblade Serenades' is the band's debut full-length, a quick glance at their MySpace page and website reveals they've already released a studio album, 'Dance of the Wicked', through a minor Greek independent label in 2003. As opening track 'Beat The Street' blasts forth, I am immediately taken by how frontwoman Liv oozes an unadulterated gritty attitude with her vocal delivery - it's actually refreshing to hear a female fronted band within the scene these days that doesn't play symphonic metal with a goth image. That said, whether it is apposite to call Sister Sin 'refreshing' is debatable as the music on 'Switchblade Serenades' is clearly derived from retro influences, namely early eighties hair metal à la Mötley Crüe et al....but they do it so well, and all with a convincingly tenacious approach that is often lacking when bands chose the path of retro-mimicry. And this is key to such music - where bands play within the static parameters of a particular retro-style, anything less than convincing would render the whole exercise pointless, but thankfully Sister Sin score full marks here. However, for those who seek originality in music, then you are best to stay well clear as 'Switchblade Serenades' is certainly not that. With a relentless pace throughout most of the album's duration, a barrage of riffs, solos, basslines, and pounding drums make sure there is never a dull moment, and it's actually kind of fun as a mindless pastiche of 80s-cheese. Whether the album has lasting appeal will no doubt depend on each listener's individual musical inclinations, but for a quick hit of retro-fun, you will be hard pushed to find a better release this year.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Metal Heaven
Album
SWITCHBLADE SERENADES
cd%20reviews%20-%20jpg.jpg
Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
44:32
RELEASE DATE:
26th Sept 2008
TRACK LISTING
1) Beat The Street
2) Death Will Greet Us
3) One Out of Ten
4) Breaking New Ground
5) On Parole
6) Make My Day
7) Hostile Violent
8) Switchblade Serenade
9) Love/Hate
10) All Systems Go!
11) Eye To Eye
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Sweden
"...a convincingly tenacious approach that is often lacking when bands chose the path of retro-mimicry."