Sunday 2 September 2012

General Lee - Raiders of the Evil Eye (Album Review)

General Lee is a 6-piece Post-Sludge act formed in 2000 out of Béthune, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.



Their line-up consists of:

Arnaud - Vocal
Fabien - Guitar
Martin - Guitar
Alexis - Guitar
Vincent - Bass
Paul - Batterie

Tracklist:

1. The Witching Hour
2. Medusa Howls With Wolves
3. Alone With Everybody
4. Overwhelming Truth
5. The End of Bravery
6. LVCRFT
7. Running With Sharp Scissors

Total playing time: 33:31




Firstly, these Frenchmen have been on my radar for a few years now with their previous full-lengths, 'Hannibal ad Portas' and 'Roads', which are two really top-notch releases in my book.

I now have the pleasure of reviewing their latest album 'Raiders of the Evil Eye'. This one is dark, yet uplifting, for those of you familiar with this genre and it's effect on the soul.

Musically, they blend various elements known to this genre. Drawing influence from forefathers like Isis and Neurosis, and more modern acts like Cult of Luna and Betrayal at Bespin.

They tend to have an edge with harsher elements, such as in the vocals, and sections of pure, hardcore aggression. General Lee are also known for their quiet instrumental sections, which owes to the over all atmosphere they deliver.

I'm accustomed to these types of bands having rather lengthy songs, but this one only clocks in at the 30-minute mark, holding my attention throughout. They haven't veered too far from their roots with 'Raiders of the Evil Eye', honing the same elements from their past works.


I really enjoyed the whole album in it's completeness, being a huge fan of atmospheric post-sludge, but the track 'The End of Bravery' really stands out on this one. As far as aesthetics go, the cover artwork is pretty amazing as well.

For those of you into harsh coupled with calm, I would highly recommend this release along with anything else they have put out thus far, as they never disappoint in that arena.

Although it is my debut post here on the Sludgelord, I didn't feel the need to go in depth for each song, as my over all summary of their style seems sufficient enough. I've been a fan of this band for many years and anyone else into this style would agree that it is a solid effort worthy of more than one spin.

As with anything posted here, please support the artists if you like what you hear... I am sure they appreciate it just as much as we enjoy sharing it with you. I know I can't wait for my copy to arrive! Thanks for your cooperation.


This new LP will strike you with frenetic vibrations, it will make you sing an anthem of a generation marked by the sadistic evolution of the modern world. It will appeal you with tension, sweat and bruises. General Lee's new power mixed with a lyrical background will nail you and shake you at the same time. Get ready to rob the evil eye with them. -General Lee






General Lee - Raiders of the Evil Eye (2012)




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Tour dates:

9/07/12 - TOULOUSE, La Dynamo
9/08/12 - ROUEN, L'Emporium Galorium
9/28/12 - ROUBAIX, L'Hôtel de la Musique
10/11/12 - PARIS, Le Glazart
2/22/13 - LUCERNE (ch) - Sedel