The 69 Eyes: I Survive

Hailing from Finland, The 69 Eyes are set to release their latest EP ‘I Survive’ on 5 June via BLKIIBLK. Three years on from their last studio album, ‘Death Of Darkness’, the self-styled Helsinki Vampires return with four new tracks that lean heavily into the dark glam-rock identity they've cultivated over decades.

Formed in Helsinki in 1989, The 69 Eyes have spent more than twenty years touring the world and refining their signature blend of gothic aesthetics and sleazy hard rock. Fans of MTV's Jackass may already be familiar with them; their biggest hit, ‘Lost Boys’ (2005), was immortalised in an iconic music video directed by Bam Margera.

If you like your glam with a heavy dose of goth, The 69 Eyes are the band for you. Smoky vocals reminiscent of Ville Valo, paired with a classic 70s and 80s rock sound, deliver driving rhythms, soaring guitar solos and plenty of attitude throughout ‘I Survive’. Fans of KISS, Guns N' Roses or Velvet Revolver will find plenty to enjoy here.

The title track, ‘I Survive’ (featuring Steve Stevens), serves as the EP's centrepiece and encapsulates everything that makes The 69 Eyes appealing. It's an anthem for the old guard – rocking leathers, embracing a goth sensibility and refusing to go gently into that good night. The song conjures the image of an ancient vampire surviving the centuries: lonely, world-weary, but still chasing the thrills that only immortality can provide.

‘Cold Sweat’ follows with a fierce rhythm guitar attack, throwing listeners straight into a vintage-sounding rocker packed with solos that would make Slash blush. It's the kind of song you could easily imagine blasting from your favourite classic rock radio show. ‘In The Misery ‘ continues in a similar vein, delivering the glam-infused hard rock fans have come to expect from the band. Vocalist Jyrki 69's distinctive deep voice remains one of The 69 Eyes' strongest assets, giving their music a darker, more gothic edge than many of their contemporaries, who often favour soaring falsettos.

Closing track ‘Devil's Rose’ (featuring Ed Mundell) introduces organ-like keyboards that inject a welcome dose of 60s psychedelia into the mix. It's the EP's most distinctive moment and easily the standout track. The memorable chorus, combined with the interplay between the keyboards and guitars, gives the song a fresh energy that sets it apart from the rest of the release. There are some serious air-guitar moments here, and the track is a raucous good time from start to finish.

Lyrically, ‘I Survive’ doesn't delve particularly deep; The 69 Eyes aren't exactly plumbing the depths of the human experience here. While the musicianship is undeniably strong, some listeners may find the themes a little shallow. Still, that's arguably beside the point. This is a band that knows exactly who they are, and ‘I Survive’ delivers four tracks of nostalgic, goth-tinged hard rock with confidence and style. For fans of classic glam metal and dark rock aesthetics, it's an enjoyable and effortlessly fun listen.