★★★★☆
Glory be to the gods of metal: it would appear that New Zealanders know how to rock it.
Underground metallers Devilskin capture everything great about the genre in their second studio release – sultry vocals, bittersweet lyrics of the dark variety, and everything else you’d expect from a band of this ilk.
Only there’s something different about them – they’re shockingly addictive. The structure of their songs is like a drug, giving you the best of highs for a short rush before dropping off abruptly to leave you wanting more.
Fortunately, at 13 tracks long, Be Like The River rumbles out enough music to keep you satisfied. Opener ‘In Black’ sets the pace for the entire record – it pounds in with some pretty generic lyrics and standard riffs, but there’s a hook to their sound that is undeniably impressive. Frontwoman Jennie Skulander has a deep and captivating tone, simply penetrating your very being. Through ‘Voices’, ‘Bury Me’ and ‘Animal’, her range is on full display, supported by some great bass work and simple, catchy riffs.
Devilskin have a goth rock style suited to fans of Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation and Nightwish. And with such an impressive grasp on songwriting, these Kiwis are no doubt set to grab Aussie fans by the throat.
Devilskin’sBe Like The Riveris released on Devilskin Ltd andavailable now through iTunes.
