Do not judge this band by their name or their image. Both conjure up images of a satanic metal band, but that is not really what they are at all. Of course, they can't blame people for feeling that way when you have a bunch of hooded and masked characters calling themselves "The Devil,” but for those who look beneath the surface, this is a rather intriguing band and their debut record has grown on me quite a bit.

The Devil play instrumental music with no vocals, yet their songs are full of messages and meaning due to the copious amount of sampled dialogue present. The band seems obsessed with UFOs, global conspiracies and ancient history and transmit their message on these ideas through carefully chosen samples, some of which have frankly been heard many times before, like J. Robert Oppenheimer's "I Am Become Death..." speech. Musically, the metal content is definitely present but not predominant. Many of the tracks are lush soundscapes with a mysterious cinematic feel, created through symphonic instruments and synthesizers. When the metal guitars come in, they crunch away big time, but mostly in a slower, doomier fashion that accentuates the more cinematic music. It's no surprise that this band has actually done some film soundtracks.

I found this record kind of crept into my mind and lodged there. There's something about it that you remember and despite a couple of cheesy bits and misgivings over their name and derivative image, The Devil has put its mark on the modern music scene.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Very ominous low strings create a feeling of dread. This is real epic horror soundtrack music, like the theme for a major villain. Down-tuned crunching guitars then add a marching heavy metal thump as a choir sings in the background. There are no samples or vocals on this introductory track.