It is almost New Year's eve and it is time to choose the best gifts for your beloved ones. During this difficult time period something magical happens and everything becomes clear. Yeah, I strongly believe that the second DEVIAN album is here to help everyone overcome the difficult and definitely boring process of choosing 'happy' Christmas gifts. God To The Illfated is as black and as blasphemous as it is required to 'celebrate' these totally un-Metal days.
If you have Black Metal on your top I like list then you will probably(?) know MARDUK. In the midst of the band's prime time Erik Hagstedt (a.k.a.Legion) took the bold decision to quit the band and move onto something else. So, Legion initially formed ELIZIUM that eventually turned into DEVIAN with fellow MARDUK member and drummer Emil Dragutinovic also in the lineup. Together with guitarists Joinus and Tomas Nilsson they crafted their sound into a fine blend of Thrash, Death and Black Metal giving birth to the debut Ninewinged Serpent. This album was released through Century Media in 2007 and received quite positive feedback from the press not only due to the MARDUK past.
So, this is DEVIAN's second attempt and I can tell you from the beginning that it is better and actually more mature than the debut release. The album comes with a solid sound with compact drumming, fast shredding guitar riffs and headbanging breaks. Legion keeps the Black/Death banners high with blasphemous vocals that sound like they are hell-made (maybe they are...). Actually, his vocal signature took my mind over VITAL REMAINS and of course DEICIDE since Glen Benton is the common denominator. Peter Tagtgren was involved in the production process and he is responsible for the massive sound with the heavy bass lines, the cutting edge riffs and the vocals from hell. When The Vultures Have Left is a fine example of his 'magic' touch; the track is a solid wall with ton-heavy almost IMMORTAL rhythm section and a melodic backbone that sends shivers down your spine.
The use of shredding riffs follows the VITAL REMAINS recipe where the distinct Speed Metal guitar phrases add a nice touch to the overall heaviness as heard in Mask Of Virtue or The Unspoken amongst others. I'm The Pariah is a killer track entering with fast drum work and a solid Black Metal background enhancing Legion's fitting and unholy vocals.
So, gather around the Christmas tree push play on the CD player with the new DEVIAN album and let the holidays spirit join you… (well you can always find some interesting ideas about the Christmas tree from the poll in the right side of our webpage). Below you can watch Legion talking about the album.
Legion speaks about the new album God To The Illfated