DEVIL'S WHOREHOUSE is a band I really wanted to listen to and their new album that came out of the blue was the best possible chance I ever had. To tell you the truth, I don't know why but I had the impression that this band was a kind of MOTORHEAD metallic Rock & Roll outfit. Well, they are not so far from that, but their music belongs to a different scene.

DEVIL'S WHOREHOUSE were initially a MISFITS/SAMHAIN cover band. Even their debut EP The Howling (2000) contains three MISFITS covers (and the limited edition three bonus tracks which are also MISFITS covers). Formed by blacksters like MARDUK's B. War, and Hakansson (MARDUK's guitarist), the band started writing original music and a contract with Regain soon arrived.

The band's sophomore full-length effort Blood & Ashes is not your typical Metal release. This band is more into this Horror Punk, Death Rock or how the fuck it is called scene, featuring elements from bands like MISFITS, DANZIG, SAMHAIN and AMERICAN WEREWOLVES. I can't say that this kind of music is actually my cup of tea, but this is surely not the release the average metalhead would buy for sure. I can't say I was amazed by Blood & Ashes. It may have this dark Punk atmosphere but it doesn't have what would make you press the repeat button. And Maelstrom should probably work a bit more on his vocals since at times he is trying really hard to sound like Glenn Danzig.

Do not fall into the trap labels set. The fact that a MARDUK member plays in here or that the album is released through Regain is no reason for you to go and buy it. Check it out only if you are a fan of this music. I don't know if I am the most appropriate person to say this, but they need some extra work.