ARTIST: THE 69 EYES
ALBUM: I SURVIVE
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 5TH 2026
LABEL: BLKIIBLK
REVIEWER: CURT UBANK
Its been barely 3 years since the last full length studio effort by the Finnish Goth ‘N Rollers, The 69 Eyes, but that doesn’t mean its not welcome to get another hit of darkness from them. A 4 track drop seems like an interesting choice, and even more interesting is the inclusion of a cover as track 2, but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.
Just what do the Helsinki Vampires have in store for us this time? Let’s check it out.
The EP kicks off with title track “I Survive” which features US guitarist Steve Stevens. Equal parts Hard Rock and Glam, this track feels like its straight off the bands 2009 album “Back in Blood” and that’s a huge plus for any longtime fan of the band. Jyrki 69’s baritone vocals immediately suck you into the vampiric party. It’s a classic sounding, high energy effort that’s sure to fit flawlessly in a stack of your spotify playlists.
Track 2 is “Cold Sweat”, a cover of a Thin Lizzy tune from 1983. Now call it sacrilege but I wasn’t familiar with the song before hearing the cover, and honestly it sounds so incredibly in line with the 69 Eyes back catalogue that I wouldn’t have been able to pick it as a cover at all, which personally I think is the mark of a great band. Am I surprised that a band which has been recording and touring for well over 20 years consistently, can make a song sound entirely their own? No, not in the slightest.
“In the Misery” fills the track 3 slot, which stomps its way through more familiar sounding guitars from Bazie and Timo Timo. It’s in this song that I feel the mixing and mastering really shine, with crisp and clear definition showing just how well this band meshes together. Squealing guitar solos over the gang vocal outro is a staple sound from the band that I’ll never tire of.
Finally, we finish up on “Devil’s Rose” featuring Ed Mundell from Stoner Rock giants Monster Magnet. With a little more of a garage rock vibe to the chorus and guitar solo, with Archzie on bass and Jussi 69’s drums rumbling along to tie the bottom end together, it’s a great upbeat closer that would fit perfectly as the closing track for any 69 Eyes setlist, before a sneaky little encore.
I Survive, for an EP has pretty much every box ticked for a killer entry into the 69 Eyes discography. Its short, but sharp. An intense little burst of metal from the Helsinki Vampires. A perfect little hold out to keep us going before the next album. Kiitos you spooky lost boys.
“I Survive” EP Tracklist:
1. I Survive (ft. Steve Stevens)
2. Cold Sweat
3. In The Misery
4. Devil’s Rose (ft. Ed Mundell)
THE 69 EYES are:
Jyrki 69 – vocals
Bazie – guitar, backing vocals
Timo-Timo – guitar
Archzie – bass, backing vocals
Jussi 69 – drums
