Nuclear Blast Records – 2021
“Maybe I can find a sense of peace”. Those words resonated with me throughout the entire listening experience with this record, especially in current times. It’s a lyric taken from the first song out of the newest album Loss from U.K.-based post-metal band Devil Sold His Soul. From start to finish, it is an astounding experience filled with a combination of feelings ranging from powerful, emotional, ethereal, atmospheric, and last but not least, uplifting tones.
But let’s wind the clock back, because I’d like to tell you about a comeback for a band unlike any other. Devil Sold His Soul formed in 2004 fronted by vocalist Ed Gibbs. After nearly a decade, the band have made their statement in the heavy metal realm performing in notable festivals such as Download, Summer Breeze, With Full Force, and Pukkelpop to name a few – while adding along 3 studio albums in that time-span. In 2013, Ed exits and in comes new vocalist Paul Green, another force to be heard that pushed the band’s unique hard rock/metallic sound to another level. Since then, there have been worldwide tour cycles and an EP release, but in 2017 saw the connection of forces of both of the vocalists as Ed Gibbs rejoined to front the band with Paul Green to give the band’s sound the last piece they never thought they needed, rounding it out to perfection. Now just as important – Guitarists Richard Chapple and Jonny Renshaw make such a perfect combination of the massive, memorable, and melodic riffs throughout – while having bassist Jozef Norocky and drummer Alex Wood take care of the headbanging side of the heaviness in the background. Every member here on Loss shines, so lets get to those fundamentals on what makes this such a great album.
Loss is the long-awaited fourth studio record which is every bit worth the wait in 2021, and a treat for the fans who have eagerly stood by. The album touches on a great narrative of personal loss, grief, and the process of healing. Mental health and anxiety is something I am no stranger from, so this really stuck with me and I am sure it can with so many others as well. The album clocks in just over an hour but let me tell you, it hardly ever overstays its welcome, and it will be the fastest hour of your life. Songs like “Ardour”, “The Narcissist”, and “Beyond Reach” are more of the heavy hitters that will keep the mosh pits alive and well in the concert setting once it resumes, and the latter is where drummer Alex Wood really showcases his work of art behind the kit. Every song here complements the other and that shows how well the tracks were thought out and placed. “Witness Marks, “Tateishi”, and “Signal Fire” really stood out to me the most because of the structures inside each of those epic and mammoth tunes, which were creatively fused with soft and heavy sections, and everything in between for any metalhead and music fan to appreciate. Loss is a perfect blend of earth shattering riffs, thundering atmospheric tones and soaring musicianship. With the sounds of post-hardcore, post-metal, or even metalcore, Devil Sold His Soul have seemed to have redefined all these in one chronicle. As I have mentioned before – Between Jonny, Richard, Alex, and Jozef, you really get the chance to hear each instrument exhibit their talent. They have their place in the light on a constant nod.
Now as for the vocalists of Ed Gibbs and Paul Green, the best duo I can resemble these two with are Godzilla and King Kong. I know, I know, one has to come out on top right? In THIS legend however, they both served as kings on Loss. Both are beasts, and have a unique talent where you can tell who is who on this album. My oh my, the chemistry between these two is uncanny. Every song on here will provoke you to sing along to each verse and each chorus, and they both really give that colossal feel to these tracks considering how much time was spent within the composition. I am just a fan here, but I hope this sort of vocal pair can stick together for as long as they can because it will serve as a testament to their craft as well as setting the bar for bands who have more than one main vocalist in the lineup. Not an easy thing to do, and the execution is flawless. The songs where their teamwork really shine the most are towards the end with the epic closings of “But Not Forgotten” and the title track. Every lyric on this album is presented in a dynamic manner, and Ed and Paul have a good knack on giving it the push and the positive impact a simple word can have on someone. Whether they sing gracefully or scream menacingly, it just hits differently from these guys.
Speaking of having a good knack, we have to talk about Jonny Renshaw. Not only is he the bands guitarist, but Loss was also recorded, mixed, and produced at his U.K. based Bandit Studios. Having a member in the band take the lead on how the songs end up sounding on an album is an easier-said-than-done process, and Jonny accomplishes that and then some. What I really want to point out is how this displays Jonny’s talent on how well his music IQ is because Loss wouldn’t have had the same impact if it wasn’t for him. Bravo, Jonny.
“Maybe I can find a sense of peace”. To close out this review, I once again leave you with these words that have resonated with me throughout Loss. While the album did such a great job and stayed true to the tones and themes, I felt this sense of peace throughout my listening experience. Here’s the deal, we have been surviving this pandemic well over a year now – and needing peace seems to be plenty to be asking for at this point. No matter the uncertainty, Devil Sold His Soul isn’t worried about what the future will bring, they are here to bring music for people like you and me. And while the members of the band have endured their own personal losses in their timelines, they have shown that the passion for what they love doing the most can break the mold, mentally and emotionally. Loss is one of the more unique post-metal releases I’ve ever had the privilege to listen to, and as far as a contender for album of year – yes , I know it’s April, but I am convinced we have one that will stick around with this insanely gifted U.K. lineup. Crank it up, and call it a comeback complete, because Loss will bring you to your feet with an applause on any setting.
Our Score 9/10
– Reach Sonny, the author of this review, at rezablade@interviewunderfire.com.
Tracklist
- Ardour
- Witness Marks
- Burdened
- Tateishi
- The Narcissist
- Beyond Reach
- Signal Fire
- Acrimony
- But Not Forgotten
- Loss