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Devil
Rock · 2014

Devil

A theatrical return to form blending cinematic piano, jagged post-hardcore riffs, and Craig Owens' signature high-wire vocal delivery.

April 1, 2014 · Razor & Tie

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Devil is an exercise in controlled chaos, a record that feels like a grand theatrical production staged within the confines of a sweaty basement show. It captures a band rediscovering its core identity while simultaneously pushing into more sophisticated territory. The listening experience is defined by sharp contrasts: one moment you are floating in a sea of delicate piano and vulnerable whispers, and the next you are being buffeted by jagged, technical guitar riffs and glass-shattering screams. It is music that demands your full attention, refusing to settle into the background. The technicality on display here is a significant step up from the band's earlier work, thanks in large part to the intricate guitar work that weaves around the rhythm section. There is a sense of cinematic scale throughout the album, with David Bottrill's production providing a wide, high-fidelity soundstage that allows every instrument to breathe. Even at its most aggressive, the album maintains a sense of poise and deliberate arrangement, making the outbursts of noise feel earned rather than accidental. It is a dense, layered experience that reveals new melodic flourishes with every subsequent listen. Owning this album is about embracing the drama of the human experience. It is for the listener who finds beauty in the breakdown and who appreciates the intersection of classical sensibilities and punk rock energy. It sounds like a confrontation with one's own internal devils, rendered in high-definition sound. Whether it is the anthemic choruses that invite you to sing along at the top of your lungs or the quiet, somber moments of reflection, the album provides a complete emotional arc that feels both exhausting and deeply satisfying.

Moments Worth Listening For
The sudden shift from a delicate piano intro to a full-band explosion in 'Ole Fish'n Hole'.
The precise, math-rock influenced guitar tapping by Thomas Erak during the verses of 'Expensive Manners'.
The layered, choir-like vocal harmonies that elevate the final chorus of '3 AM' into a stadium-sized anthem.
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