Device - Device (11/05/2013)
In late 2011 the words that all fans of a band dread were spoken by Disturbed “indefinite hiatus.” This is a term that could mean fans never seeing that band again but never fear, their singer David Draiman formed a new band with former Filter guitarist Geno Lenardo called Device just a few months later and they have now released their debut self titled album. The album, which was recorded at David's own home studio, was recorded with the help of Will Hunt of Evanescence on drums and Dope guitarist “Virus”.
When it comes to Draiman's vocals they are so unique that a comparison to Disturbed is always going to be made (especially being such a big Disturbed fan) and that is exactly what happens in the first few tracks of this album. Even the hard rocking 'industrial metal' sound could easily be a bunch of Disturbed song and thusly make the first 3 tracks You Think You Know, Penance and lead single Vilify the best songs on the album.
With Close My Eyes Forever, a cover of the Lita Ford/Ozzy Osbourne classic, the band recruit Lzzy Hale of Halestorm to give them a hand and while they do a great job of this cover it really does not fit in with the rest of the album unfortunately. While it is a bit more rocking than the original it's slower tempo doesn't fit in.
Serj Tankian, vocalist of System Of A Down, lends out a hand with the track Out of Line. The song also features legendary Black Sabbath bassist “Geezer” Butler. Serj and David's vocals blend wonderfully together backed by some of the best drumming on the album before Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine gives them a hand with some rocking guitar on Opinion.
The guests don't finish there though, Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows joins Draiman in Haze and Glenn Hughes (who has briefly fronted both Black Sabbath and Deep Purple) helps out on the last track Through It All. Both songs are very well done, the vocals mix well together but M. Shadows is almost unrecognisable, his vocals sounding quite different to normal which was an interesting decision to make.
Overall this is a solid album and while it is enjoyable enough it is not good enough to satisfy the hunger of thousands of Disturbed fans wanting a new album from them.
Matt Barton
When it comes to Draiman's vocals they are so unique that a comparison to Disturbed is always going to be made (especially being such a big Disturbed fan) and that is exactly what happens in the first few tracks of this album. Even the hard rocking 'industrial metal' sound could easily be a bunch of Disturbed song and thusly make the first 3 tracks You Think You Know, Penance and lead single Vilify the best songs on the album.
With Close My Eyes Forever, a cover of the Lita Ford/Ozzy Osbourne classic, the band recruit Lzzy Hale of Halestorm to give them a hand and while they do a great job of this cover it really does not fit in with the rest of the album unfortunately. While it is a bit more rocking than the original it's slower tempo doesn't fit in.
Serj Tankian, vocalist of System Of A Down, lends out a hand with the track Out of Line. The song also features legendary Black Sabbath bassist “Geezer” Butler. Serj and David's vocals blend wonderfully together backed by some of the best drumming on the album before Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine gives them a hand with some rocking guitar on Opinion.
The guests don't finish there though, Avenged Sevenfold vocalist M. Shadows joins Draiman in Haze and Glenn Hughes (who has briefly fronted both Black Sabbath and Deep Purple) helps out on the last track Through It All. Both songs are very well done, the vocals mix well together but M. Shadows is almost unrecognisable, his vocals sounding quite different to normal which was an interesting decision to make.
Overall this is a solid album and while it is enjoyable enough it is not good enough to satisfy the hunger of thousands of Disturbed fans wanting a new album from them.
Matt Barton