Album Review: Blacklist 9 – Mentally Ill, Legally Sane (Eclipse Records)

Out on March 22nd 2019 via Eclipse Records; Mentally Ill, Legally Sane is the new album from Blacklist 9. The album contains eight tracks which display the band’s raw power and energy, and features Lonnie Silva (Black Sheel, Impelletiri) on drums. The album was produced by Jeff Collier and mastered by Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, A Perfect Circle, Coal Chamber).

Wishing to create a sense of madness, the intro of Azzip certainly does that before the high-tempo groove of Stand in Line takes us into a dirty metal club. The dance floor is heaving with all manner of head-banging loons, each wrapped up in the music in their own way.

The heaviness of Kali Smile is only offset by the bouncy beat, something that immediately gets the feet tapping and the neck muscles moving. While Down has some of the album’s deepest cuts and the fuzz that sits on the guitars is enough to drive a person insane.

Madness’ rap-metal style vocals and hefty bass turns out to the best track on the album. Incredibly catchy and an absolute head-banger if there ever was one. So far, so damn good and Liars isn’t changing that one bit with its hearty and brawny groove.

All good things must end though and its with the double of Mental Hostage and Legally Sane that brings Blacklist 9’s quality effort to a close. The former upping the heaviness with a bit more thrash in the riffs and death in the vocals. While the latter is a sludge-infused finale that offers something a bit different.

Blacklist 9 – Mentally Ill, Legally Sane Full Track Listing:

1. Azzip
2. Stand in Line
3. Kali Smile
4. Down
5. Madness
6. Liars
7. Mental Hostage
8. Legally Sane

Mentally Ill, Legally Sane will be available via all major streaming services. You can keep up to date with news by liking Blacklist 9’s Facebook Page, following them on Twitter, Instagram and subscribing to their YouTube Channel.