Now, New Zealand isn’t exactly that well known as a heavy rock/metal hotbed of action – is that to change with the thumping Devilskin? Sent a press release by the band’s PR about the wider release of Devilskin’s debut album and a review copy duly followed.
Dammed fine it is too. A crisp, hard-hitting style with punchy guitars, a rhythm section which is as tight as a duck’s a*se and the remarkable vocal talents of Jennie Skulander. She is awesome. Range, passion, power,
The press release describes We Rise as combining gorgeous melodies of heavy, bombastic rifts, with streamlined hard rock anthems aimed squarely at the arena circuit. That’s an apt one sentence summary. This album “rocks” from start to finish. I found myself enjoying it more and more with each listen.
It grabs from the opener – the unusually titled Elvis Presely Circle Pit – all the way through to the closer, Dirt. The riffage is impressive. That rhythm section is right on it but Skulander’s vocals are the not so secret weapon here. She is seriously impressive. A monster, monster performance. I struggle to think of a female rock/metal vocalist who does it better at the moment.
Devilskin do the powerful stuff excellently (check out Little Pills and Violation in particular) and can also do the slower soulful stuff too (for example Surrender). The sound is big, the production is crisp, your attention is grabbed. It all fits together so very well. The lead breaks are well structured to fit with the feel of the song without being flashy for the sake of it. And over the top of all of it is that marvellous voice of Jennie Skulander.
I think this track – Start a Revolution – will show you what you need to know. Here’s the video.
The band is making some waves too on the back on We Rise. It went platinum at home in NZ and they have supported the likes of Mötley Crüe, Slash and Alice Cooper – impressive huh?
I am more than content to say that Devilskin really hit the spot with We Rise. A powerful rock/metal album with passion, feel and melody further demonstrating the talent abounding. And, oh, Julie Skulander’s voice. Remarkable. I say do your ears a favour and get your hands on a copy – right now!
>> DEVILSKIN WE RISE ON AMAZON HERE <<
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