One of my most anticipated releases this year was Type O Negative's "Dead Again." These so called Goth Rockers have been going at it now for more than 15 years. Any notion that Type O are not a viable staying power is blown out of the water upon first listen. The band made a pretty huge impact in the Metal world during the '90s with their "Bloody Kisses' album, spawning the hit "Christian Woman." Their dark atmospherics and sarcastic sense of humor, coupled with the Lurch-like vocals of mainman Peter Steele made for a sinister combination. Their sound progressed to a more lighter style from there with "October Rust" and "World Coming Down." Then they picked up the pace again with 2003's 'Life Is Killing Me." But to me, the new one is their quintessential masterpiece. After a stint in rehab, Peter Steele and co. have emerged reborn.
Opening up with a short version of The Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour," Type O gave us a doom ladened evening concentrating on new numbers and old fan favorites. Songs such as "Halloween In Heaven" and "The Profit Of Doom" fit in quite nicely alongside earlier numbers. Perhaps the shining moment was "These Three Things" from "Dead Again," with its 10 minutes plus of Sabbath like riffs and constant changes and progressions. Mr. Steele seemed a bit low key this evening with his hair pulled back and plain t-shirt and jeans, but was his usual joking self with the obligatory bottle of wine, and, uh, throwing his filled bucket of KFC out into the crowd...:). The rest of the band were very tight with guitarist Kenny Hickey really shining on his vocal contributions. Special guest on the side of the stage was former Pantera vocalist Phil Anselmo, who appeared throughout the evening singing back up vocals. The set ended with a great version of "Black No. 1." Type O have a few good years left in them. So hop aboard their gloomy ship next time around. myspace.com/typeonegative
