Evil (Denmark)

What started out as a band that was a bit difficult to research (apparently, Evil is a popular name for metal bands, go figure!) turned out to be the one with a pretty interesting story. Evil, a band from Denmark, was formed in 1982 and was rumoured to have King Diamond on guitar under a pseudonym, but it doesn’t look like that’s ever been confirmed. They released a five song EP, which was featured as a split with Sortilege as well as on its own, and also a live VHS (awesome) but only as a limited release. Seems to me that’d be worth something if someone came across one, if only for the King Diamond connection.

The first band I thought of when I started listening was Motorhead, but as I listened the similarities seemed less Motorhead specifically but more just generally in the NWOBHM style. The EP, which I admit didn’t totally blow me away with its revolutionary sound or anything, is solid high energy heavy metal. I immediately wanted a beer though, so that’s a sign of something special, isn’t it? Perfect for headbanging and getting beer spilled over you. Man, the eighties must have been magical. After watching Heavy Metal Parking Lot, I’ve had envy for when concerts were more of a big event. There’s a lot of apathy towards live events these days it seems. Or maybe just in this big city. Where I grew up, a 8 hour drive from anything, a concert was a once a year BIG deal. I miss that.

Speaking of the eighties, I don’t hear a lot of music from the eighties that had bad production, besides some live stuff. This album is no exception, it’s really well mixed. I figure that’s probably because it wasn’t anyone with a computer that could release an album, it required actual studio time. Or maybe it’s because the stuff with bad production got lost over the years due to lack of interest and playability. I doubt it’s the latter, I know some people who seem to adore and embrace bad production value. I think those are the same people who will listen to obscure stuff only.

The album has some cheesy moments, but they are the kind of cheesy I like. Really silly, lighthearted lyrics in the midst of some pretty intense riffage is ok by me. For example, the last song is called “Take Good Care (of your Balls)” which is actually totally badass while being hilarious. The album is only 21 minutes long, so I’ve listened to it three times tonight and it keeps getting catchier and more interesting with every listen.  You’ll notice I didn’t spend too much time tripping over my words to describe the sound of the album, and that’s because  the album is available for download on their website! Which means you can listen to it and make up your own words to describe it, instead.  You’ll do a better job, anyway!

Even more exciting than the album being free, and a great addition to my collection, they reformed in 2008 and are reportedly getting ready to make another album, 26 years after the Evil EP was released! I am really excited to see if it retains any of the cheesy but endearing eighties elements. This could potentially be a really awesome album. Or it could suck. Time will tell! Now, because I can, let’s end this with a pointed list of what I learned in true “Check it Out with Dr. Steve Brule” fashion:

Special thanks to @steelwarrior666 on Twitter for recommending this band!

Evil fanpage on Myspace
Evil on Metal Archives
Get the album free here!