Angel Blake – “Self-Titled”

The world is full of unique bands with their own edge and attitude, but Angel Blake adds an entirely new definition to “unique.” The band itself is one man, and one man only, Marko Tervonen. Now while Marko would have liked to do the vocals, he couldn’t and got his buddy Tony Jelencovich of Transport League to do them; and with that, the band had launched. Of course for live shows, they would have to get replacements, but for the recordings, it was only these two sick dudes.

First on the album is “The Force,” which is only an instrumental, but catchy none-the-less. When I first heard the intro, I was amazed. I couldn’t believe only one guy can play all those different instruments and so well at that. Of course not all at the same time, but it’s still sick. “The Force” leads into the first actual track on the album “Retaliate.” This track is definitely heavy and for one guy to have written all the different parts to the track, including the lyrics… well, that’s pretty amazing. Furthermore, Tony’s vocals suit the music style very well, especially during the chorus.

Fourth on the album is “Self-Terminate.” This track has got to be one of the best on the album. The guitar riff has one of those sounds that make you want to cut yourself off from the world. It’s got to be one of the darkest tracks I’ve heard in a long time. Tony’s lyrics add a sense of dread to the track, furthermore supporting my remark about the song being dark.

Now, the best track on the album has got to be, by far, the cover of “Paint It Black.” Marko’s instrumental added some attitude to the track, making it heavy and lethal. Tony’s vocals sound amazing and I would love to hear Angel Blake play this track live.

Overall, this has to be the best solo attempt I have heard in a long-ass time. When you realize just how difficult it would be to write four instrumental roles, plus the lyrics, it really hits you in the face. I’d have to give this album an 8.3/10.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. The Force
02. Retaliate
03. Lycanthrope
04. Self-Terminate
05. Solitude, My Friend
06. Autumnal
07. The Forsaken
08. Thousand Storms
09. Paint It Black
10. …’Til The End

Run Time: 44:37
Release Date: 2006