“Things As They Should Be” is the sophomore album from French deathrockers Eat Your Makeup, and unfortunately their final release ever. TATSB is one of the finer examples of just how a band, which masterfully executed the punky deathrock formula with their debut “First Dinner,” is able to push the envelope while maintaining the characteristic deathrock sound we all know and love. The simple yet effective introduction “Hymn From Mars” contains a haunting piano solo and Isa’s chilling, operatic vocals, giving us a preview of the album’s epic scope. Almost without warning we are dumped into the middle of a violent fray once the stamping drums and screeching guitars kick on in the following track “Bare Your Claws.”

That description may make you think that Eat Your Makeup has eschewed their gothic punk roots, trading them in for metal, but you would be mistaken. This is especially evident in the dance floor worthy tracks “Cats [Definitely Insane]” and “Never Forget.” Yes the overall album is more progressive in nature, the songs lack the catchy choruses that were evident in First Dinner, and the vocals are more melodic, but that does not mean the band is unable to create great songs, much in the same way legendary deathrockers Cinema Strange did with their sophomore album. Add to the mix intricate guitar and bass work, intense drumming, and the powerful vocals of Isa and Plag, and you never really have a dull moment in TATSB.

My three complaints would be that the 15 second filler track “Pendez Monique” should have been fleshed out more as it could have every well been a classic that would fill entire dance floors with pogoing patrons. Additionally the track “Things As They Should Be” manages to overstay its welcome at plus eight minutes in length. Worst of all though is that the album is the final offering from a fantastic band that is not afraid to wear their makeup, take goth seriously, and produce dynamic music without falling into the realms of kitsch or creative platitude. Rest in peace.