Inevitably, there’s a retro feel here, with Alive After Death and Weeping Ghost in particular reanimating John’s work from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. However, nothing here really sounds dated, a result of the way his influence has emerged from the shadows in recent years, whether in the soundtracks of Drive and Stranger Things or the synthwave of Gunship and Carpenter Brut – and no prizes for guessing the inspiration behind the latter’s name.
Just as any new album from a veteran band will be judged against decades-old classics, so these themes can’t compete with the more iconic moments from the man’s past. But from the horror-rave of The Dead Walk to the blood-spattered rock riffs of Cemetery and Skeleton, there are plenty of dark treats here to soundtrack fearful, sleepless nights.
Verdict: 4/5
For Fans Of: Zombi, Carpenter Brut, Perturbator
Lost Themes III is released on February 5 via Sacred Bones.
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