John Lancaster – A Penchant For Hell On Earth

John Lancaster – A Penchant For Hell On Earth

Self released – 2015

Rock, Metal, Prog, Hard, Alternative, Stoner

Rated: ****

Phantom Moon still gets heavy rotation over here. But for some weird and probably insane reason the second album Crash Test In Progress is hardly played at all. Which will soon change again, since we are now neck deep in absorbing the third album A Penchant For Hell On Earth by John Lancaster. Lancaster, former frontman for Chum delivered his first solo effort back in 2010 and delivered that Phantom Moon record with the help of an incredible array of musical companions. On the second disk he implored the help of Abdullah’s Josh Adkins, Barry Smith with whom he played in Earth to Eros and his buddy from Chum, Mac Walker.  And they are all present once again, you could easily state the guys have turned this solo project into a full-fledged band. They could be called The Lancasters. Imagine petite dance moves and matching suits. But what’s definitely not petite is the sound; which goes big the way of the Samurai once again. Think Faith No More, Kings X, Muse, Soundgarden and Torche. Which is offset by this weird flutter in the vocal lines, which reminds a bit of Alain Johannes, his solo work as well as Eleven. Which is strange, for the music is metal, progressive, alternative and full of twists and turns. Yet, it’s the vocals that sets it apart this time around. Emotional cries and passionate howls, timid screeds and new discovered vocal possibilities. They’ve grown considerably and now rival the amazing music that was already there. A multitude of layers aided by samples and synths that never fight for domination, but instead offer up the spotlight to whichever instrument should have your full attention. A truly amazing and inspirational record once again! A labor of love for someone… Felt by everyone…

(Written by JK)

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