Reviews › Penumbra ›
Dukesters Meltdown: March 2004
Metal remains a form that seemingly won't die whilst others suffer in the face of mainstream acceptance or failure. And Devolution is yet another welcome addition to the fold. Sounding fresh and despite also sounding like you wouldn't have heard this style more than 10 years ago, it keeps reminding you of Black Sabbath with riffs not simply three note stompers, instead satisfying rock but still heavy and deep, straightforward aggression with a bit more prowess. And, and solo's don't go a amiss either.
"World Of Unknown" starts with a stringy intro and slow drum then turns into a headbanging rock beast with double bass drum action at all the right times. "Scapegoat" is another bopping number mixing muted notes with full throttle aggro, before using some Megadeth style thrashing for the bridge, with an atmospheric sweep coming through as well. "Below The Surface" has a high end ear piercing guitar picking alongside with the band's usual stomp. "Imperfect Endings" isn't an appropriate title, but it is a stranger song sounding shockingly, er, indie (turn the distortion pedal off for the chorus and it would be), showing off the band's abilities in a new light. A truly satisfying listen.
