Description
Flower Leperds – Dirges In The Dark – Cassette
The Flower Leperds’ Dirges in the Dark, released in 1988 on Triple X Records, is a striking album that merges the raw energy of punk rock with gothic overtones and a darker thematic approach. This release showcases the band’s ability to channel aggressive punk spirit while embracing more atmospheric and introspective elements, setting them apart from many contemporaries in the 1980s punk scene.
Dirges in the Dark captures a sense of foreboding and raw emotion across its twelve tracks, delving into themes of death, despair, and existential conflict. Tracks like “Has Hate Been Kind Enough” and “Night of the Ripper” are standout examples of the band’s ability to craft songs that are as biting as they are haunting, blending aggressive riffs with introspective, poetic lyrics. Meanwhile, songs such as “Preacher’s Confessions” and “Riding the Blade” reveal the band’s knack for storytelling, offering narratives steeped in gothic imagery and a sense of brooding menace.
The band’s lineup for this album features Tony Montana delivering impassioned vocals, Jeff Wolfe on guitar driving the melodic and abrasive interplay, Richi La Rocka on bass anchoring the sound with a darkly resonant groove, and Matt Young providing dynamic, hard-hitting drumming. Additionally, Rik L Rik, a key figure in the early L.A. punk scene, contributes backing vocals, further enriching the sonic depth of the record. The production, overseen by Chaz Ramirez, retains the raw, unpolished edge of the band’s sound while allowing the intricate interplay between the instruments to shine. This balance ensures that the album feels authentic to its punk roots while exploring more sophisticated sonic textures.
Dirges in the Dark stands as a testament to The Flower Leperds’ unique place in the punk landscape. While they are firmly rooted in the rebellious energy of punk, their ability to incorporate gothic and hard rock influences gives the album a distinct identity that resonates with fans of both punk and darker alternative genres. The album’s exploration of death and the macabre, particularly on tracks like “Death of Two Lovers” and “Inferno,” provides a moody and evocative listening experience. Today, Dirges in the Dark is remembered as an essential piece of the 1980s underground music scene, continuing to influence artists who blur the lines between punk aggression and gothic introspection.
For fans of early punk and gothic-tinged rock, Dirges in the Dark remains a rewarding listen, offering a raw yet atmospheric journey through some of the genre’s darker corners. With its haunting melodies, driving energy, and thought-provoking themes, Dirges in the Dark is a compelling snapshot of a band unafraid to push the boundaries of punk music while staying true to its visceral roots.
Brand new, never played but not still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Triple XXX Records
Features Tony Adolescent of the Adolescents on Vocals
Track Listing
sidewinder
has hate been kind enough
night of the ripper
muscle of love
only 12 years old
nercology
I’m 18
the hunt
preachers confession
riding the blade
inferno
death of 2 lovers
lifes in vein
