I had heard this band’s name several times in the last couple of years, but this is the first opportunity I’ve had to listen to them. I really had no idea what to expect, so I had no preconceived notions. Suffice it to say that after several spins, I am digging this one.

What we have here, boys and girls, is pure, undiluted Heavy Metal. There is not a modern nuance to be found in the albums near 44-minute duration. What you will find is a healthy blend of early Iron Maiden and Judas Priest styled tempos and guitar duality coupled with a strong Thin Lizzy overtone. One track, “Ol’ Girl”, carries the Thin Lizzy trademarks so blatantly that I had to check the credits to see if it was a cover. Everything from the vocal phrasing to the harmonized guitar lines is dripping with the old Lynott mojo. “500 More” is but one of several tracks that has a melodic, epic vibe calling to mind early Maiden. Opening cut “Hijack The Night” rips into classic, high-speed Priest riffage coupled with Maiden-esque guitar layers. Vocally, it’s rough and raw, but clear and in key and the guitar solos, both harmonized and alone, are ferocious!

I think that sums it up nice and tightly. The only surprise here is how good Bible Of The Devil is at melding these band’s styles together. The similarities to these established (legendary) bands on a musical level are so stark that the line between rip off and tribute will have to be drawn by the listener…I’m going with the latter. Scratch that, actually I’m going with Traditionalist…holding high the traditions of the masters. This is a good, energetic, fun record…denim and leather…fists in the air. Crank it up and bang your head!

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments