As 2009 approaches its end and albums are shuffled mentally for top positions in the year polls, Devious has come up with a gem of an album that may well squeeze out an album I thought was solid enough to stand its ground. Whilst the band is predominantly a death metal proposition, Devious has plenty of ideas to straddle the boundary between the symphonics of melodic black metal and Bodomesque guitar wizardry. Are both your eyebrows now raised, because I hope so!
An orchestral start opens ‘Heritage Of The Reckless’ as the track sets the scene for the grandiose undertaking the band has adopted. The colossal double bass that unfolds during the build up is ultra heavy yet punctuated by a clear blast that matches the riffing intermittently yet note for note. The synths add texture without dilution giving an obvious Dimmu flavour minus the arrogance. The riffing speed is breath taking on ‘False Identity’ as the song tackles a thrash direction but the rhythm is death. The double bass matches the riffing patterns as by now Xerath comes to mind. Surprisingly the synths and mild orchestration effects gave hints of Luca Turilli which may make you shudder but is only a reference point as ‘Respiration Of Fear’ starts. The speed quickly manifests as the vocal bellowing is pernicious amongst the Swedish riffing carnage. The massive drop in pace unleashes a scything harmony as the Bodom traits now arise.
In places this has a sci-fi feel, especially on ‘Abide’ with its spoken vocals which build to a huge roar in a way that Behemoth fans would lap up. As with most modern death metal the core slam riff is lurking about on ‘Impulse Overload’ but is bolstered by layering Bodom leads over it which I enjoyed immensely. ‘Predefined’ eventually sets off at ferocious pace with complexity and bombast mixed equally. The semi-acoustic lull is accompanied by a double bass kick beat and synths ready for the brilliant change in pace. As deathly symphonic as possible the track is awash with styles and charisma.
It is always good to hear a vocalist who can roar with the best but still manage to be decipherable amongst the music as the guy was the growler for Altar previously. This album doesn’t hang about as the closing two tracks quickly come in with ‘Validate;’ its tremendously catchy yet unequivocally fast leads and spoken vocals create dense atmosphere and epic character. This character continues on ‘Disconnect’ though the pace is substantially slower initially as the bands musical theatrics are in full flow for the rousing finale. The build up brings about the pace shift, a vicious riff and crashing bass kick which are offset by rampaging blasts. If you didn’t catch that bit the first time the band repeats it as the track comes to a close with a rapturous applause and headbanging ovation. A top quality death metal album that is peppered with class from start to finish.
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