Band/Artist: The Black Capes
Release House: DarkTunes Records
Genre: Gothic Rock/Metal
One Sentence Synopsis: Sophomore release from the Gothic rockers of Greece!
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: 4-10-2020
Running Time: 41 Minutes
MSRP: $16.21 (transferred from Euros)
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 5.0 Moons (Out of 5.0)
Hailing from Athens, Greece, The Black Capes formed in 2016 and hit the scene with their debut album All These Monsters a year later. The album remained in the Top 10 of the German Alternative Charts for one month, and they were band of the month in Orkus Magazine June of 2017. Two years later, we’re hearing their sophomore album Lullabies for the Dead, once more produced by Peter Rutcho.
Theme
After reviewing All These Monsters in 2017 I was really looking forward to what The Black Capes had in store, and the wait was definitely worth it! Opening with the single from their latest music video “And I Wait” (see below), the powerful bass that I loved so much on the first album comes on strong once again. The biggest attention grabber was their cover of The Cult’s classic song “Rain.” Darker and heavier than the original it’s one of the better covers I’ve heard in awhile. Alex’s low baritone vocals accent it really well. “From Beyond the Grave” is my favorite song. I’m honestly not sure if it’s a cover or not, but something about the chorus sounds so familiar. I feel it’s the best example of the atmosphere that surrounds the album.
One noticeable difference in their sophomore release is it’s not as aggressive as All These Monsters. Alex doesn’t strain his vocals or scream as much except maybe on the song “Gotham.” While the metal is still present, I hear more of a post punk influence on Lullabies, especially in the guitars and in the bridges of each song. The lack of aggression, however, works to their advantage. 
Presentation
The Black Capes’ first album was one of my favorites the year it was released, and it looks like their second one will be in my Favorites of 2020 list as well. I listened to Lullabies for the Dead three times in a row before I had to make myself turn it off. I was singing along in every song, and that only happens with a few artists. With the aggression toned down I thought the melody in the guitar riffs was superior to that of their previous album. Been aching for some high quality, rhythmic Gothic rock this year, and they’re the first to deliver!
Audience Fit
Gothic rock and post punk fans should flock to this album, especially those who are into bands like Type O Negative, The 69 Eyes, or Then Comes Silence, and Batman fans will appreciate the song “Gotham,” as it’s filled with references to the caped crusader and the imagery contained in the comics.
Closing Thoughts
All These Monsters began the possibility of The Black Capes becoming a favorite band, and Lullabies for the Dead sealed the deal! Truly a beautiful piece of Gothic metal that like a lullaby rocks the listener into resting in peace.
Theme: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Audience Fit: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
