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Think of ‘theatrical rock legend,’ and Alice Cooper immediately comes to mind for many. And the shock rock godfather couldn’t have picked a more deserving band to support him on a string of upcoming southern dates – Lillian Axe. After an extended hiatus, the group – which is comprised of Derrick LeFevre (lead vocals), Steve Blaze (lead guitars/vocals), Sam Poitevent (guitars/vocals), Eric Morris (bass), and Ken Koudelka (drums) – recently unleashed their first new studio album in nearly fifteen years (and first for the Metro City Records label), ‘Waters Rising.’
Originally formed in 1983, the New Orleans-based group soon caught the attention of Ratt manager Marshall Berle and MCA Records, leading to the release of the group’s self-titled 1988 release (produced by late Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby), 1989’s ‘Love and War’ (produced by Tony Platt, who previously worked with AC/DC), 1991’s ‘Out of the Darkness into the Light,,’ 1992’s ‘Poetic Justice,’ and 1993’s ‘Psycho-Schizophrenia’ (the last two of which were produced by Leif Mases, who previously worked with Led Zeppelin). Additionally, such Lillian Axe tracks as “Dream of a Lifetime,” “Show A Little Love,” “True Believer,” and a cover of Badfinger’s “No Matter What” received attention from rock radio and MTV.
By the middle of the ‘90s, Lillian Axe opted to take a break, although a collection of previously unreleased material was issued in 1999, ‘Fields of Yesterday.’ With metal once more ruling the charts and the airwaves by the early 21st century, Lillian Axe was back in business with live shows, resulting in the release of their first-ever live album, ‘Live 2002,’ recorded in Houston, Texas. Roadwork has continued for the band - including playing to 27,000 fans at Germany’s Bang Your Head Festival in 2004, as well as an extensive European tour a year later. With new singer LeFevre recently replacing longtime frontman Ron Taylor, ‘Waters Rising’ sees a whole new metallic chapter unfolding for Lillian Axe.
Despite the long break between studio albums, ‘Waters Rising’ has been steadily receiving its share of accolades, including a write-up by All Music Guide, which raves “If ‘Waters Rising’ were released in the late '80s, there's little doubt that its video clips would have done battle - and held their own - alongside Iron Maiden and Queensryche on Headbangers Ball.” Additionally, KNAC.com gave the album a four and a half star rating, saying “[Steve Blaze] is the visionary of what he wants the band to be, and as long as he’s a part of any musical endeavor, you know to expect nothing but the best!”
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