Lillian Axe -
Out of the Dark & Back into the Light:

        With a need for straight up, no-bullshit rock and a copy of ‘Waters Rising’, the latest release from Lillian Axe, Blast recently had the opportunity to catch up with the guys for the live experience. After covering some of the northeast dates (of a tour that pulled a six week-plus stretch with a performance nearly every night ending with four dates opening for Alice Cooper), we’ve got another show that’s extremely difficult to do justice on paper, so I’ll just cut to the chase. We’re not talking about 45 half-assed, watered down minutes and a hoping-to-compensate stage show here, kids. The quality of this one far outweighs ticket prices through a flawlessly performed hour and a half of the best of Lillian Axe from now and then, featuring founding member and lead guitarist, Steve Blaze’s trademark diverse songwriting with the combined talent of vocalist Derrick LeFevre, guitarist Sam Poitevent, bassist Eric Morris, and drummer Ken Koudelka.
    The set list for this one, kicked off by fan favorites, ‘Misery Loves Company’, ‘Deep Freeze, and ‘Love and War’ takes us through virtually the entire catalog of Lillian Axe projects, including more than our share of classics from Love And War, Out Of The Darkness, Poetic Justice, Psychoschizophreia,  Fields of Yesterday, and Waters Rising. ‘Kill Me Again’ added to the mix from there, followed by ‘Body Double’ and ‘Ghost of Winter’, and the title track from ‘Waters Rising’ gave us a first taste of the new material live.  ‘Fools Paradise’ and, one of our faves, ‘Antarctica’ had us more than ready for more from ‘Waters’, and a strong delivery of ‘I Have To Die Goodbye’.
    Crowd pleaser ‘Dream Of A Lifetime’ had fans with Derrick word for word, followed by ‘Letters’, and Psycoschizophrenia classics, ‘Those Who Prey’ and ‘Crucified’.  Revisiting Poetic Justice again for ‘Innocence’ and ‘True Believer’ were up next, before wrapping up with ‘Show A Little Love’.
    Highlighting the show, a look at Steve’s patriotic side, with an soul-searing version of the national anthem (we’re thinking Superbowl here, Steve!)…you really had to be there to fully appreciate this one, guys!!
    So stop by the band’s website for info on where to pick up ‘Waters Rising’ and updates and info including upcoming tour dates…you do not want to miss this one! Don’t forget to visit their myspace pages and, while you’re there, check out Steve’s incredibly cool side projects, Near Life Experience, also featuring bassist Eric Morris, and Angel.
    Also, don’t forget to check out Steve Blaze’s online store (check the burnlounge link below), Peavy JSX amp endorsement, and join him as he launches ‘The Blaze” line of guitars, which you can order directly through him on his website.

LINKS:
Online:
www.lillianaxe.com
www.steveblaze.net
www.nearlifeexperience.com
www.angel
On myspace:
www.myspace.com/lillianaxe
www.myspace.com/nearlifeexperienceband
www.myspace.com/steveblaze
www.myspace.com/catchvelvet