R.I.P. Peter Steele

So a few weeks have passed since the death of Type O Negative frontman Peter Steele, and I'm listening to "Bloody Kisses" in its entirety for the first time since it happened. I don't intend on writing you a full band biography or act like a creepy fan who pretends he was a personal friend. I do hope that once everything's said and done that Type O Negative's immense contribution to Heavy Metal isn't overshadowed by all the ridiculous nonsense that seemed to sometimes derail them--- the centerfolds, the stints in drug rehab/prison, and the accusations of misogyny/racism/nazism from people who've never listened to their albums. Then again, they thrived on their black humour and loved to make light of nearly everything and seemed to get a giddy thrill out of pissing as many people off as possible. But behind all the gimmicks were a band who were masters of the dirge, a true successor to Black Sabbath's doom metal madness, updated for the 1990's "whatever" attitude without simply rehashing the same 25 year old riffs (sorry St.Vitus...).

Which brings me to "Bloody Kisses". While you can find enjoyment on any Type O Negative album, depending what mood you're in (from snot nosed punk to suicidal), "Bloody Kisses" is truly their definitive work. I remember listening to it for the first time in junior high and being amazed at how their slow-burn sludge could enthrall me (I'm historically a speed freak when it comes to metal, especially at that point where I couldn't get enough classic power metal), and how everything they did from track to track was a surprise. From the insane intros/outros (which are tragically cut from recent re-releases of the album), to the incredible flow between songs that should have had no business being on the same disc together, the album still holds up as an example of what can happen when a band doesn't think about simply pleasing an audience or worrying about offending the critics, and nearly 20 years later (christ I feel old) it hasn't aged a day. Do yourself a favour and seek out the original cut of "Bloody Kisses", turn the lights down low, pour a glass of your favourite inebriating spirit and soak in the glory of a young band ready to take on the world with an album that should truly stand the test of time.

Rest in Peace Peter!

Keep it heavy! \m/(>.<)\m/

-Zombieboy