Some bands make it hard on reviewers, and sometimes on would-be listeners too, to figure out just what they're all about. At first glance, THE NECROMANCERS UNION seems like they'd be a Thrash or Death Metal band, especially when you look at their last two album covers and take into account the title of their latest album, "Flesh of the Dead." The song titles also point to some dark ass shit like "Into the Darkness," "The Undead," and "Shadows." There's even literary references with "Pit and Pendulum." Yeah, so some serious Metal vibes going on here. I was surprised, therefore, to find the band is a kind of an 80's Goth throwback. I was even more surprised to find that I kind of dig their sound. This is a solid, not at all bad, compels-you-to-listen-more-than-once album.

THE NECROMANCERS UNION is the brain child of Daniel (GLASS APPLE BONZAI). Yeah, you know Daniel. Really into the 80's and Halloween. Listens to BAUHAUS and likes to watch Hammer films. Known to smoke clove cigarettes. Okay, guessing on those details. Anyway, the band, or project, is based out of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada. "Flesh of the Dead" includes eight tracks-seven rerecorded and slightly renamed tracks from previous EPs and one new song, "Clowns of the Dead." They also have a 2021 two-track EP with covers of the "Pet Sematary" (RAMONES) and "Alice" (SISTERS OF MERCY).

"Flesh of the Dead" has a runtime of 40:37, so we're calling this the debut full-length album. The production values are good, though not fantastic. On the down-ish side, the overuse of voiceovers from various movies is a tad-bit annoying. Makes me feel like I need to be paying attention to some kind of storyline, but I really don't want to. The synths are little bothersome as well. And, as previously noted, the album cover and the band name seem misaligned to the actual music.

Now for the positives: Daniel has a great voice. HE has this baritone, romantic vibe going on-think 80's BOWIE, BILLY IDOL, BAUHAUS, SISTERS OF MERCY. He can play a mean bass and his lead solos really stick together. No massive riffs, but plenty of rhythm. He can also write some lyrics. A lot of narrative heavy bands have no sense of lyrical melody, but Daniel can actually move a story along while making some mildly interesting insights about life, the universe, and everything. He can also compose some catchy tunes. Not saying there is evidence of supreme musical genius here, but he certainly knowns how construct a compelling melody and which notes fit better with others. Yep, that's all the music theory you'll get from me-some notes fit together, and some don't.

Favorite track on the album is "Pit and Pendulum." It's also the final track, the slowest, and the longest. Other standout tracks are "Flesh of the Dead," "The Ghost Inside You," and "Shadows." Interestingly the new track, "Clowns of Death," is probably the only clear regret on the album. Could have stuck with the core seven and maybe added one or both 2021 covers and that would have made a great album.

So, I was alive and kicking the 80's. Even saw INXS, LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH, and others live and reveling in their 15 minutes. And it was a good 15 minutes at that. THE NECROMANCERS UNION recall those times. Something about the 30+ years that have gone between has maybe marinated things-I guess that's called nostalgia. Anyway, not Metal, more campy than dark, and not even remotely evil or heavy . . . but not everyone has trip the same way.