PATRIARCHS IN BLACK is a very interesting project by well-known musicians Dan Lorenzo (a.o. HADES, NON-FICTION, VESSEL OF LIGHT) and John Kelly (a.o. TYPE O NEGATIVE, A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH, DANZIG). They got together at the end of 2021 and since 2022 they are giving us a studio album to enjoy. Their latest effort, “Home”, will be let loose on the world on August 15th 2025 and has all the elements you can expect from two well-travelled and extremely experienced musicians. The thing is, I can tell you they play Metal, but throughout the album it becomes clear that they not only are very well rehearsed in the deep and dark Metal like TYPE O NEGATIVE used to play, but they also have a knack for softer tunes with just a keyboard or daring to use a violin where it fits. They do lack a permanent singer, so they make use of a lot of guest vocalists. And to be fair, they know exactly who to approach for the songs they have. You can see the list when you look at the setlist of the album underneath this review. I wonder how many of those names you will recognise, as I did have to look up some of them.

As for the album itself, it is a gem. Best song on “Home” has to be “Kaos”. This is so bloody good, it goes right through you and does what it says on the tin. The intensity is real and very, very impressive. And I have to mention the vocals on this one, as Kelly Abe does one hell of a cracking job. Another two songs that have surprised me in the positive is “Where You Think You're Going” and “Beline”. Not only is the music on the former really intense, the interaction between the Rapping David Freis and the very feminine, smooth and high pitched voice of Sarah Sovak work like magic. As far as “Beline” is concerned, the BLACK SABBATH influences have been put to good use, resulting in a cracking tune. The following “Pointed Fire” is a lot more melodic, and the right recipe to wind you down. The lasty song I have to mention separately is “Enough Of You”. What a beautiful Bluesy track, with an outstanding Frankie Diaz on vocals. I can mention other songs as well, because I’m not discounting any of the others, as there are no bad ones on “Home”. PATRIARCHS IN BLACK have been able to keep ascending and get better with every album they do, and if they can keep up this streak of good music, I for one will be a really happy.