From the opening seconds, this Dutch band immediately draws me towards many comparisons to Dark Tranquility and current Arch Enemy, especially prevalent to the latter on ‘Respiration of Fear 2012’. There are immediate big fat melodic death metal tempos to sink your teeth into; there is also an ever present feel of quality. When I listen to Devious’ music, I sense quality; I sense a band that has mastered their art and know how to present it. ‘Wolfhagen’, the tracks itself, is a thundering grieve battering ram, it is going to find a sense of unique difference within this genre, but, Devious’ council have the ace in their pack. Not only does this band contend with forerunners, they obliterate some of the recent substandard big hitter releases. ‘Her Divine’ has an avalanche of melody, it is really captivating, and this is where my surprise comes from as I normally stay well away from this genre as it bores me. It is certainly not the case with Devious and their ‘Wolfhagen’.
Whilst I don’t immediately jump on the “hate dubstep” bandwagon, especially since Korn’s last release has littered the internet with haters, I can understand some appeal, I can, I don’t call it remotely metal, but the remix of ‘Respiration Fear’ works. The way that Devious have brought out the original sound to a different tempo and musical sensibility is commendable, but that does not mean I would want them to write a whole album like this! Please don’t! But I do tilt my cap for having the balls to do it. Music should be entertaining, whether it be trendy to love or hate any style or band, I really don’t care with that shallow mindedness, if you like something, stand up and be counted.
The package works, the music may be considered a complacent listen, but Devious’ execution is pretty faultless. The album production and the arrangements are the full package. If I could be over critical, it would be that there is a little lacking in terms of the amount of solo’s, it’s all about the groove (but that’s cool by me). Devious are a band that have obviously worked hard for their art, ‘Wolfhagen’ is a perfect pat on the back for their sterling efforts, this is melodic death metal that encapsulates your soul, keeps you entertained, and holds its own against genre stalwarts. Good work!
