What is presented to us as a European version of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY is actually a There is no devil riding this train. If you are expecting a rated R record (Smell Sex Tonight is very misleading), you'll only get G rating. Your mom will love this record. Everything sounds so safe. The mix is done by the book and the experienced musicians can really emulate any state of the art American product. The question that pops into my mind right after pressing play is: what did the band want with this release? The only answer I can find is: they just want a shot at the main stream. And how can you achieve that? Let's replicate all the stuff that actually made it big. I guess sometimes it works. Does it work for DEVIL'S TRAIN? I'll leave it up to you to decide.

Let's start with the opener: "The Devil & The Blues." A very 80's feeling hits you along with a brick wall production. The song is pretty common but it gets you thinking: is this all they've got or is there more to this? And so the second track follows: Girl of South Dakota. Sorry to ruin all your interest but this is the best you will get on this album. Catchy rhythm with fast guitars. Perfect recipe for rock and roll. Everything melts into a smooth chorus that will get you singing along, then a waterfall of lead guitars hits you.  "You promised me love" is intended to be a WHITESNAKE rip off (at least I hope it's intended). Otherwise all good: good chorus, backing vocals are in the right place, solo hits as it should. The producer (that's actually also to singer) is actually the star of this record, as he knew exactly what he wanted from the band and was able to pull it off. The bluesy start of "Rock & Roll Voodoo Child" fools the listener ready to expect a different pattern. Wrong! This is one of those one track records. Unfortunately there is not much that can or that will make you remember anything.

The record ends with a cover of Cameo's "Word Up" (yup... another cover of that song... does anybody actually need it??). Rather tasteless and very unoriginal. Just a final attempt at the main stream. "Ashes & Bones" is a good sounding record that will do the trick if you are riding in your car. If you're having a barbeque party with your friends it will provide the perfect atmosphere. This record is intended for the general audience, especially those that are into American/southern rock. Give it a spin but don't expect it to spin you!