Creeper - Sanguivore 2: Mistress of Death

Creeper are known for their theatrics, constantly raising the stakes (pun intended) to keep an ever-devoted fanbase on their toes. From horror punk to 'satanic Britpop', the group are continuously in a state of renewal, reinventing themselves and their sound with each album cycle. This time, they draw heavily from hard rock and heavy metal, while retaining the same blood-soaked aesthetic as the previous record.

Announced on stage via a gruesome horror short – which saw the band awaken from an undead slumber to fight for their lives – 'Sanguivore II: Mistress of Death' isn't a direct continuation of its predecessor, but rather a companion album set within the same deliciously dark universe. We are pulled into the heart of 80s America's satanic panic, with Creeper playing a vampiric band pursued by a huntress set on stopping their hearts for good.

Titular track 'Mistress of Death' is a textural delight – cinematic, with a larger-than-life (or death) feel – and is our first proper introduction to how bombastic this record is. Catchy single 'Blood Magick (It's a Ritual)' features a chorus reminiscent of Belinda Carlisle's 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth', proudly showcasing the album's 80s influences while remaining modernised in its approach. Gould's sinister drawl and a sweeping guitar solo make it one of the most memorable tracks on the record.

Hannah Greenwood leads 'Razor Wire', her voice emitting an almost hypnotic quality. With a saxophone solo and prominent piano feature, you are transported to a smoky room in an underground jazz club. 'Headstones' is the fastest song on the record, with a hectic, crashing energy and cheeky call-and-response chorus.

'Sanguivore II' epically concludes with the building ballad 'Parvor Nocturnus'; peppered with bluesy guitar hooks, dramatic choir-backed vocals and a callback to Sanguivore Part One's 'Further Than Forever', it's bloody brilliant.

Hedonistic with an irresistible allure, this record is an undead entity of its own. One that prowls through the seedy streets at night, searching for a new neck to drain – the listener a captive passenger in the back of the hearse. It's only rock' n' roll, but tonight it can take your life.