Review Summary: The only live recording by the classic Misfits is a powerful and energetic affair.
I probably shouldn’t even take the trouble to write a proper introduction for this one. After all, what introduction do the ***ing Misfits need? Possibly one of the only punk bands to expand their gargantuan influence beyond the genre, the Misfits are held in high regard by truckloads of other acts, ranging from hardcore heroes such as AFI and Agnostic Front to thrash titans such as Metallica and Slayer. The Misfits had some amazing songs, yet their strongest point was their impeccable live show, an event more than a concert, filled to the brim with theatrical happenings and raw energy, setting the bar for all punk rock to come. Evillive is the only live recording of the “classic” Misfits lineup, released shortly after what most consider their master work, Walk Among Us.
The disc spans through 13 minutes and seven Misfits classics, delivering the goods for all fans of the band, hardcore or casual. The production is raw and dirty, adding to the energetic atmosphere of the performances, which are truly amazing. This is a band at their best, Glenn Danzig croons powerfully in that trademark possessed bluesman style of his, accompanied by a group of noticeably frantic musicians playing the *** out of every song. However in the last three songs the even rawer (if that’s a word) production can be a bit of a setback as the bass and guitar often get confused in the mix, however if you listen intently you will quickly get past these minor flaws. The songs are, simply amazing, fast D-beats, catchy gang choruses and power chorded riffs galore, they truly encompass what the Misfits where back in the day, and they are delivered flawlessly.(Well not really, there are a couple of *** ups but that’s part of the fun when it comes to punk :) )
In my opinion a great live album is defined by providing an additional value to the original songs, instead of being just a way for the band to buy time as they plan their next studio offering (It happens more often than you’d think). And though the Misfits aren’t the type of band to engage in improvisational interludes or 5 minute crowd interaction breaks, the versions recorded for Evillive are certainly interesting, especially if you are already a Misfits fan. Though it isn’t a “must-have” by any means it is very good as a live album and demonstrates the strength the Misfits had onstage. Besides, no one’s complaining about that surprise appearance from Henry Rollins on “We Are 138”.
