Most metal fans know Christofer Johnsson through his long history with the band Therion, but he also started a little side project a few years ago called Luciferian Light Orchestra where he's been able to utilize some of the music he's written that doesn't necessarily fit into the Therion mold. The bands debut album was somewhat of a minor success, utilizing a host of musicians across multiple genres and allowing Johnsson to dive into some of his many '70s influences. The band have quickly followed that up with the Black EP, a quick 4-song affair that once again is dripping all things '70s, from the haunting Hammond organ & synth passages, the crunchy guitar riffs and bluesy lead work, and the ethereal female vocals, there's a certain 'Uriah Heep/Deep Purple/Scorpions/Frank Marino/Jimi Hendrix/Black Sabbath' vibe permeating much of the music. "Serpent Messiah" is a pretty cool tune, the ominous Hammond organ swirling around some sizzling Marino/Roth/Hendrix guitar licks while the creepy female vocals drip with understated menace. "Thunder Perfect Mind" and "Evil Masquerade" both sound like long lost Heep tracks, but with female vocals replacing David Byron's high pitched wail, the former containing some delightful organ and booming bass riffs, and "Where the Lilies Grow" even tossing in a wild Ritchie Blackmore influenced guitar solo amid dreamy Hammond waves and ethereal vocals.
Though the vintage vibe is of course all over these four tunes, making for an instant attraction to lovers of classic '70s hard rock and prog, I can also see fans of Ghost getting into the music of Luciferian Light Orchestra as well, as there is a similar feel to both bands that is hard to resist. If you haven't already checked out the bands fine debut from 2015, then give this one a quick try and I'm sure you'll be seeking that one out immediately.
Track Listing
1) Evil Masquerade
2) Where The Lilies Grow
3) Serpent Messiah
4) Thunder Perfect Mind
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