So many Northern European bands take influence from Hollywood metal’s ‘80s heyday, that its most successful exports need a standout take on the genre to avoid being mere imitators. Turbonegro use outrageous humour and a leather fetish, The 69 Eyes add a dose of gothic gloom, but, sadly, even by album number three, it remains unclear what Reckless Love’s unique selling point is. Too earnest to feel tongue-in-cheek, but too silly to be taken seriously, they’re huge in their native Finland, but it’ll take a little more self-definition to achieve the genuine crossover success briefly enjoyed by The Darkness ten years ago.
FOR FANS OF: Lordi, HIM, Hanoi Rocks, The 69 Eyes
(this review was originally published in rock sound magazine issue 179 Oct 2013)
GARETH PIERCE 