It’s been eight years since MADLEAF’s debut with the album “Sinners” back in 2008. After the album’s release, the band performed live extensively, accepting very good reviews. 2013 found the Athenian band in studio with a new line-up, working on their sophomore album. Alexi Keito on drums, Anthony Fxf on bass, and Nick Marinos on vocals were new members alongside the band’s founder, guitarist Nick Hawaiian. Also, Jimmy Haursen was added in the guitars section making the band a quintet.
The album was finally out a few days ago and it’s available online on the band’s page in bandcamp. The band, with yet another line-up change featuring three new members (Nikos Giannoulis, Antonis Kanaras and Peter Red on bass, drums and additional guitars respectively), will present “House Of Lust” live from the stage of Second Skin club on April 1.
For those not familiar with MADLEAF, the band’s sound is an explosive mix of grunge and alternative rock/metal with a pinch of stoner. “House Of Lust” will drive you from ALICE IN CHAINS and PEARL JAM’s territories towards TOOL’s outskirts and back, while in the middle of the road you will find PLANET OF ZEUS and GODSMACK. The songs are guitar driven, with Hawaiian and Haursen offering us a lot of meaty riffs and catchy, clever leads. Alexi Keito and Anthony Fxf also do an excellent work in the rhythm section. Alexi’s drumming combines strength and heaviness with up-lifting tempos, while Anthony’s basslines are one of a kind. Last but not least, with a tone that stands between Eddie Vedder, Sully Erna and Babis Papanikolaou, Marinos finishes the job giving us ripe and passionate performances.
The album contains 11 tracks. However, the album lasts less than 50 minutes keeping the compositions relatively short and to the point. “White Shark”, “Coming Home” and the NIRVANA flavored “Burn”, are in my opinion the best moments of an album that has not one weakness and totally worth of the 5 year wait. If you haven’t checked “House Of Lust” yet, you should do it…YESTERDAY! Be assured that you won’t regret it.
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