#VAGABONDZREVIEW: PERFECT CRIME - STRIKING COMEBACK WITH NEW RELEASE

"Striking" is the most suitable word to describe their return. Imagine that you've been performing in small clubs for quite a long piece of time and then your band is chosen as the suppurting act for almighty SCORPIONS! Seems unbelieveable? But not for Perfect Crime!

After their very first arena show as Scorpions supporting act in Moscow, Perfect Crime released their first album for 5 years. It is finally available for listening and that seems to be really cool. I'd been looking forward to that moment for almost five years and was extremely happy, when it came to actual release. Well, let's speak about that killer.

It’s called “The Battlefield” and it's long-awaited record of hard n' heavy quintet from Moscow. “The Battlefield” has become the second album, which was released after 5 years break from Perfect Crime's self-titled debut album, which received a good feedback as in Russia, as in Europe and U.S.

During the break Perfect Crime have performed for many times in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities and every concert of them have been unique. Wild energy, heavy riffs and powerful vocals aren't the only case why Perfect Crime are so popular here. The guys are the perfect example of having chemistry between the band members as in life and so as on the stage.

Perfect Crime. From the left to right: Ivan Noskov (vocals), Nikita Borovkov (guitars), Valentin Dmitrichenko (guitars, backing vocals), Evgeny Korablev (drums), Aleksander Fedonin (bass, backing vocals)

I got my physical copy of “The Battlefield” some weeks ago. The first thing that caught my attention was of course the album cover artwork. Frankly speaking, this one has become one of my favorite ones ever. The artwork is just perfect - it's a great suppliment which hepls us to see the complete band's style. Teddy who sits in the middle is the symbol of the band and I can guess is becoming more and more popular - many CDs had already delievered abroad. Ivan Yefimov who also appeared at the debut album’s cover artwork brilliantly done his job at the second time. There's no sence to underline how important the cover artwork is. When people buy CD of the previously unknown band, they mostly look at the cover first and buy it. Perfect Crime are lucky to have such great artist, who is able to create the album mood before actual listening.

Perfect Crime - The Battlefield (2019)

We start listening to “The Battlefield” from instrumental track called “The Tempest”, which helps to connect your minds to the album mood. Then it comes to “Dangerous Game” – the first single of the album. The main thought of the song is the modern world problems we are facing every day. Unfortunately, the great amount of people are definitely playing these dangerous games today that's why we all have to be prepared for this. Self-titled song “The Battlefield” is tempted to be the heaviest composition of the album. This one will definitely make you headbanging while listening. One more peculiarity I wanted to point out is impressive lead guitar sound, which pays contribution to the album sound – it has become more advanced and professional in comparison to the debut album.

If you are yearning for beautiful ballads and there’s no doubt that some people like them even more. Well, Perfect Crime has something for you! “Real Love” and “Either Way” are showing the best way of how the right ballad should sound. One more thing that isn't dissapoints is "Love Is... (Just a Crime)" that will definetely make you delighted, especially when listening to the live version. Of course, we hear much 80s sound in these ones and as we perfectly know – those years had the best rock-ballads alive. That’s why when you are listening to Perfect Crime, it's possible to catch some Bon Jovi, Motley Crue and Whitesnake vibes in these songs. I strongly believe Perfect Crime to be the new generation of rock-n-roll and to prove it, I'd best reccommend you to listen to "Hey, Priest!" - the last, but not least composition of the album. This rock-n-roll anthem is pure adrenaline, that will make you singing aloud as Perfect Crime's listeners at the Scorpions' show. It's the best song for playing live and the decision to include this song into setlist was the best.

To feel the whole burst of energy of Perfect Crime you may visit their gigs in Moscow. Believe me, that visiting this bands' show is the most awaited part of the day, because you know - they'd never dissapoint. Even the darkest day, when you feel completely washed out will become the brightest one. You will be leaving the venue being in the state of euphoria and will be looking forward to the next gig to come.

PERFECT CRIME - THE BATLLEFIELD (2019)

1. The Tempest

2. Dangerous Game

3. The Battlefield

4. Speed Kills

5. Destination Reached

6. Love Is... (Just a Crime)

7. Too Late

8. Free

9. Real Love

10. Either Way

11. Hey, Priest!