Trash Bats are set to release the follow up to their self-titled 2019 release on August 14th on Road Rat Records. This album is a slight depart from their first, with member Black Lazarus taking on more of a writing role. Instead of standard drums and percussion instruments, earthy percussion is used. Stomping and clapping, rattling chains, saw blades, and the clanging of bottles make up most songs. Lazarus delves deeper into the lore of the band with tales of regret, death and rebirth.
As an introduction, “Something This Way Comes” is daunting and the mix of vocal tones and styles gives a real feel of horror and dread that leads into the stomp along beat of “Resurrection.” The song has powerful vocals over music with a western, or cowboy feel. Continuing with the stomping rhythm is “Bear The Mark.” This song is full of the bluesy grooves and dark lyrics Trash Bats is known for. “Kill Again” has attention grabbing dual lead vocals and a catchy chorus that is pleasantly, quickly stuck in your head.
An overall highlight of Lazarus is the amazing lead guitar playing. With “Doubt” being a great example of this. The ever soulful vocals are laid over incredible lead guitar playing that adds an entire extra layer of sorrow. “Drownin’ Demons” does the same, but with melancholy violin added to the mix. Hidden amongst the sorrow and pain, a glimpse of brightness and love. “Possession” shows us that even in the darkest of times, including demonic possession, love can find a way to break through.
Although upbeat and bright, with folk tones and rhythms, “Rest Without Peace” is lyrically heartbreaking, especially following “Possession.” However, this is the first standout use of electric guitar, and it is an incredible accompaniment. “Oath Breaker” sees a return of the stomp along rhythm, and excellent gritty vocals. An interesting song, that got several back to back listens, is “I Will Be Released.” It has a mix of a sorrowful chorus, and an uptempo, poetically delivered verse and aside from the intro and touches of lead guitar, the instrumentation takes a bit of a backseat.
It’s easy to tell this is a darker album, with obvious darker imagery. “Hell To Pay” gives a dark folk feel, with a classic country build. It has that slight twang as the latter genre is recognized for. Which is in complete contrast to the heaviness that is “Sanctuary,” with its guttural vocals delivering a message of evil. Keeping with the darker tones and theme, “After The Witch” is a perfect campfire tail of terror. For a much needed reprieve from the darker elements, “Sacrifice” is a brighter song of thanks and gratefulness.
The most fun song on the album, “Beneath The Cellar” comes across as horropunk written as a folk song. Very traditional horrorpunk vibes and chords, played acoustically like a folk song. To conclude “Lazarus” is a song that tells a tale, but not one found within the lyrics. It is a tale that can easily be conjured in the mind of the listener. “Dogs Of The East” would be the perfect song to play over the buildup to a duel. But, a duel where the hero is not going to win.
Lazarus is dark, but sweeping with moments of brightness and hope. At its dark folk heart, it paints a picture and tells the tale of who Trash Bats are. There’s hootin’ and hollerin’ stomping folk, and dark, sorrowful lyrics full of despair. Amazing lead guitar playing is littered throughout with touches of evil, and glimpses of love, both fought for, and lost. Trash Bats are making Lazarus available via their own Bandcamp for digital download. Which includes an immediate download of the songs “Bear The Mark” and “Drownin’ Demons” when preordered. The Road Rat Records Big Cartel page will have CDs to order. Streaming will be available on the major platforms(Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, etc.).