Album Review: Lesbian Bed Death – Midnight Lust (Psychophonic Records/WormHoleDeath)

For the uninitiated, Lesbian Bed Death is the UK’s premier gothic punk/heavy metal horror-soaked band, drawing influence from legendary artists including The Misfits and Alice Cooper, whilst adding a contemporary twist. Having released a slew of albums since 2006, the group return from the grave with ‘Midnight Lust’. Out on March 1st, 2024, via Psychophonic Records (UK) and WormHoleDeath (Rest of World).

I like it spooky, but I also like it fast and heavy, so Lesbian Bed Death always appeal with everything they do. Even when they’re not drawing from the world of horror, they deliver the goods and Midnight Lust is a top-shelf release. This shit isn’t getting old and there are tons of new and exciting frights in their arsenal.

The riffs are out in full force from the start with the groovy Maria, where it’s also clear that the introduction of JJ on vocals has given this band fresh life. Her range is immense, she has a ton of power, and commands in her own Elvira-like way.

The pace quickens and even the coldest and deadest of hearts will start pumping blood once Roadkill is heard. Yet, as fun as this track is, the party really gets going with Satanic Suicide Sex Cult. This is an area that Lesbian Bed Death often excel, and this track is the perfect example of them turning up the vibrancy in their incomparable sexy and sleazy way.

It’s hard to not have a smile on the face, but let it never be said that Lesbian Bed Death don’t tackle more ‘serious’ subjects as evident with Your Love Makes Everything Worse. A track with a deep and dark melodic flavour, a mighty addictive hard rock track that has these wonderful guitar surges. Then there is The Antichrist, a peppy and anthemic body shaker with a devilish guitar solo, before She Loves Lilith and The Mummy’s Tomb take the album past the halfway point with horror-laden energy and groove.

If there’s one thing that sums up the first half, it is the fact that Lesbian Bed Death have become adept at crafting anthems.

They’ve also become very good at making each track feel like its own thing, even when the formula is familiar. Case in point, Reykjavik Nights, another of the Lesbian Bed Death party efforts and another track that creates vivid imagery in the mind that would frighten a therapist.

Being 13-tracks long, you might suspect that there will be a filler track or two, but credit to Lesbian Bed Death, that’s not the case at all. Feral Eyes’ differing structure draws from the world of riff-driven rock and punk rock. The Woman Who Drinks Tears is extremely dramatic sounding and shows even more vocal layers. Rhythm of the Kill is a head-banger that serves to remind listeners that this band knows how to deliver heavy metal tunes.

Finally, it’s something bloody and gory as Lesbian Bed Death lean right into their horror love with Art of Tower and Horrors of the Crown Hotel. The former, like its inspiration, is a gleefully manic slice of rock slaughter. Whereas the latter is one last time to shake off some grave dust and dance until you drop.

They’ve done it again. Delivering a banger album with tons of life. Their reputation exists for a reason and Midnight Lust is only going to enhance that further.

Lesbian Bed Death – Midnight Lust Track Listing:

1. Maria
2. Roadkill
3. Satanic Suicide Sex Cult
4. Your Love Makes Everything Worse
5. The Antichrist
6. She Loves Lilith
7. The Mummy’s Tomb
8. Reykjavik Nights
9. Feral Eyes
10. The Woman Who Drinks Tears
11. Rhythm of the Kill
12. Art of Terror
13. Horrors of the Crown Hotel

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