Creeper – ‘Sanguivore II – Mistress of Death’ [Album Review]

I feel confident in saying that Creeper are one of the best all-round musical talents that this country currently has. Since 2017, they have released three perfect albums, one EP that is higher in quality than most bands’ full-length records, and in the last few months, they have put out some of the best music videos of the 2020s. Creepers rise feels organic and creatively genuine, making music that they themselves love for an audience that trusts and adores them. Slowly moving up those festival spots and record charts, it feels like the time is now for Creeper to get the respect they are overdue.

And so, Sanguivore II – Mistress of Death is upon us, and she is spectacular. The most extravagant of ideas brought to life (and death) in the most theatrically fantastic of ways. Set in the same universe as Sanguivore I, but not leading on from the origin story. We are taken on a brand new journey with our blood thirsty heroes, as they attempt to avoid the clutches of the vampire huntress, The Mistress Of Death.

“A Shadow Stirs” welcomes us with a dark and foreboding warning of the Mistress’s imminent arrival and the war that will take place. And so “Mistress Of Death” opens the story with an “Ecstasy Of Gold,” Western-style harmony that turns to a galloping, ’80s rock spectacular. It’s a perfect character introduction that sets the stage perfectly for the bloodshed to come.

The production on this record feels award-winning from the jump. Producer Tom Dalgety (Ghost & The Pixies) has done such a perfect job of elevating everything that makes Creeper the goth rock goliath they are, whilst creating so many layers of cinematic, arena-driven gold. It’s easy sometimes, with the drama and theatrics, to lose sight of what brilliantly talented musicians this collective is, and they only seem to be growing with every record.

Up next are the three singles released from the record. As a stand-alone EP, these three songs would have been better than a majority of releases this year, which only speaks volumes to the quality of this record. The sexy shock rock thriller “Blood Magick,” the single of the year and tongue-in-cheek macabre masterpiece “Head Stones,” and darkwave synth bonanza “Prey For The Night.” Having these songs available for their summer festival run to introduce audiences to the next chapter and drum up excitement for the record was an absolute stroke of genius; the videos that accompanied them were also spectacular.

The exquisite quality of production on this record is no more on display than with the next two tracks, “Dreaming In The Dark” and “Parasite.” Two songs that sound straight from the neon vampire movies of the ’80s. The choruses led by the extremely talented Hannah Greenwood sound beautiful when married with the always magnificent bass level, gothic tones of lead singer Will Gould. It’s two perfect pieces of atmospheric Creeper theatre that sonically surround you like they were recorded in a church or cathedral.

Ok, so let me be clear on the next song, “Razor Wire.” Yes, it bears a stark resemblance to “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles, BUT as the saying goes, ‘comparison is the thief of joy’, so does this similarity matter, and does it take away from this being one of the best goth-pop ballads Creeper have ever made? Absolutely not. It’s Hannah Greenwood at absolute full power, combining Jazz & Blues style crooning with that powerful, big band operatic and spine chilling lyrics. Complete with saxophone solos, burlesque melodies and choirs, this kind of freedom to explore and experiment with extraordinary results is why Creeper are so important to modern music.

“From The Depths Below” is a 30-second organ and synth-led preamble for “The Black House.” A goth-rock ode to Sisters Of Mercy that contains what will surely be the greatest Creeper live sing-along for years to come. Picture a packed Wembley Arena all singing “I Want To Hold You Like A Hammer In My Hand,” it’s the thing dreams are made of! “The Crimson Bride” lets rip with those classic 80s rock riffs, brilliant duelling guitars and church atmospherics which land you right into a blood-drenched wedding scene of this masterpiece.

The closing scene of this incredible opus is “Pavor Nocturnus” (Latin for Night Terrors), A wonderful 6-minute dalliance into rock n roll ballad superstardom. This is Creepers’ November Rain, with its acoustic intro, beautiful twined vocals and the build which culminates in a crescendo of soaring guitars and gorgeous piano melodies, it’s an absolutely perfect way to roll credits on this generational and career-defining record.

It’s 80s goth and horror with brash sex appeal and a rock n roll strut. A creative masterpiece wrapped in satanic mischief and ghoulish puns. These songs have stadium-sized ambition with an unwavering and infectious confidence. It’s the apex of an 11-year journey and stands as their greatest achievement to date.

Sanguivore II – Mistress of Death Track Listing:

1. A Shadow Stirs
2. Mistress of Death
3. Blood Magick
4. Headstones
5. Prey for the Night
6. Daydreaming in the Dark
7. Parasite
8. Razor Wire
9. From the Depths Below
10. The Black House
11. The Crimson Bride
12. Pavor Nocturnus

Run Time: 42:06
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Record Label: Spinefarm Records