Lillian Axe--Psychoschizophrenia

Lillian Axe--Psychoschizophrenia (1993) Rating--8.7

This swan song release finds the band keeping their edge, but at the same time encorporating more intricate musical arrangements and almost progressive swings. The sound connection with Chicago rockers Radakka is now unmistakable, and the layered vocals and overall majesty of Ron Taylor's voice is an artform on display for all. Continuing to rock in a more advanced '80s vein, the band clearly goes a step farther on this one than on their earlier releases.
The highlights are plentiful, with lead single "Crucified" providing the crunch from the very beginning. The album rolls strong through the first half, with the stop-and-go rhythms of "Deepfreeze" coming next, followed be sharp hitters "Moonlight in Your Blood", "Stop The Hate", and "Sign of the Times". The band closes out with another all-out rocker in the title track, which romps and bruises with both humor and melody.
The lighter side of the Axe is once again shown in beautiful balladry, as the guitar-and-vocal-only "The Day I Met You" is simplistic yet powerful--much like "The Promised Land" from 'Poetic Justice'.
Certainly a must have if you're an Axe fan, but if that's the situation you probably already own it. In that case, an essential for hot chops/melodic metal collectors.
TRACK LIST: Crucified/Deepfreeze/Moonlight in Your Blood/Stop the Hate/Sign of the Times/The Needle and Your Pain/ Those Who Prey/Voices in My Walls/Now You Know/Deep Blue Shadows/The Day I Met You/Psychoschizophrenia

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