EVIL was around in the eighties, when they released the brilliant EP "Evil's Message". They have returned, and I have to admit that they have blown me off my socks with "Book Of Evil". The reason they succeeded is very simple, at least for me. They sound like GRAND MAGUS, a band I really adore. No, they aren't a copy, but have that same mix of JUDAS PRIEST and MANOWAR, but EVIL do use an extra layer, which are subtle hints of METALLICA. The latter is mostly to be found in the way the breaks are configured, the way the drummer uses the kit, and sometimes even the way the guitar solos are built.

These Danes have a knack of sounding very powerful, definitely decisive, but also melodic when the songs need it. Just listen to the harmonies in the refrain of "Evil Never Dies", and you will know what I mean. It never gets too sweet, too cheesy. No, it does keep the heaviness and intensity that fits this brand of Heavy Metal. And as I mentioned, I am digging this big time.

Then you have the outstanding riffs. One of the best examples of that is in "Future Denied", which is well endowed with a riff that has you sitting on the edge of your seat. Why? Because you need the space to bang your head as enthusiastic as possible. Bloody hell, this is good. This really is EVIL! And if this the quality of the "Book Of Evil", I only hope it is going to have many a sequel. To me this is even a lot better than their debut EP from 1984.

And EVIL just keeps on delivering the goods, as songs like the Speed Metal oriented "The Raven Throne" will get me going at any time. Back pain? Leg trouble? Don't be daft, I'm as fit as a fiddle. And I will stay that way as long a s I keep on listening to "Book Of Evil". The extreme heavy start of is another reason to keep on going, together with it's surprising refrain. And to be sure, I can mention every song, as they all are of a very hight quality.

Now it's up to EVIL to not disappear again after having blessed us with a brilliant album. Like I said, I am really hopeful that this time around they will stay on the scene  long enough to give us a lot more of these gems, as that is exactly what "Book Of Evil" is. As an extra, the band have decided we should have a new rendition of the classic "Evil's Message". Have a listen and compare it to the original, and you'll have to admit that the band is even better than they were in the eighties. EVIL is alive. And let's hope that the last song is true, that "Evil Never Dies". Amen to that!