Violent Acts Of Beauty will be the first LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT (LAM) release in nine years, although a new song titled Fear did appear in the soundtrack for Saw II (2005, European limited edition). Some songs of the album had previously been recorded in demo form for a number of years.
LAM was formed in the 1990s by Sean Brennan. Unlike most music projects, this one has retained and nurtured the political and socially aware element of the later punk scene that virtually vanished from the music scene in the early 90s, and has developed as a deep, passionate and political dark rock music entity. In the past, Sean Brennan has presented us with thought provoking visions of beauty with his musical project. Often Sean's tried with his music to make visions of larger social issues, like the songs Revenge or Kiss which touched on bigotry and politics (personal and societal), and abused at the hands of religious leaders. Violent Acts Of Beauty is the long-awaited forth studio album of the band.

With the opening song The Beginning of the End, LAM tries to talk about the hypocrisy and blind devotion to cruelty of this generation. Feeling Fascist? is next. A typical LAM song but nothing special.. Third song and I can't say that I'm excited about the album. Nothing Sacred is going to be a hit at the dance floors of a Gothic club, but I think only because of its rhythm. Next song and I think that, despite the nine years old absence of the band, Brennan's inspiration is not at the highest level. Trying to copy himself, trying to write another Sacrifice, but the result didn't manage to meet my expectations.

What's that? Flute? Interesting... That's a nice song, with good lyrics and a nice mixture of keyboards, guitars and flute. Next two songs have some influence from the three last Marilyn Manson releases. It's ok to listen them at the background, but, again, nothing special. Fear is a song that some of us now from the Saw II soundtrack. An interesting song with a nice bridge and a catchy chorus. Pure is a slow and dark song, a song that will have your attention. For me, one of the best songs in that album. The Kids Are All Wrong is the title of the next song. One of the heaviest (don't expect Metal, only heavier than the other songs). Nice one to listen at a club. Next two songs, are typical LAM compositions, but nothing special.

As a conclusion, the question is: was it worth the long wait for Violent Acts Of Beauty?. The answer is probably no. It's not a bad album, more mainstream than the older ones, but when you listen to it carefully, you will see that there is something missing. The production is great, Brennan's voice sounds good, but... it doesn't have songs like Kiss or Sacrifice.