Denmark’s Evil are regarded as one of those classic bands, a 1999 re-issue of their ‘Evil Message’ EP with Sortilége helped their heritage, I am sure. Following a bumpy attempt of resurgence in 2015 with ‘Shoot the Messenger’, sole original member Freddie Wolf (now on guitars as opposed to his usual drumming duties) has returned with a new band, perhaps a newer vision and calls on fans of Judas Priest, Accept and Mercyful Fate.
In the modernised production, you hear the Priest and Accept comparisons, vocalist Martin Steene has had some considerable time (from the beginning) with Danish power metal band Iron Fire, so it’s no surprise you may find similarities to that sub-genre from time to time, don’t expect direct Pearl Angel similarities (vocalist of the aforementioned ‘Evil’s Message’ EP). Steene has a lot more power from the chest cavity and has a stronger lower register.
‘Divine Conspiracy’ rather passes you by, but then ‘Evil Never Dies’ picks up the challenge and breathes soul into the music. With this and the following ‘Future Denied’ there are additions of “modern” backing vocals, a touch of shouting shall we say! ‘King of the Undead’ has a pre chorus that has a touch of vocal bite, perhaps even walking into Pretty Maids territory of recent times, a nice track all in all. ‘Storm Warning’ has a classic, almost progressive metal guitar action at its start prior to the vocal. Here, there is an expansion of vocal delivery and the range adopted. This makes the track sound a lot more refreshing and agreeable (especially with a ripping guitar solo!). From the heralded EP, the track ‘Evils Message’ has been re-recorded; thus represented here in its modern stance. ‘Book of Evil’ ends this release with a touch of theatrics, more suspense, more craft displayed in the arrangement. Throughout, you cannot help smiling.
The album is solid, it does sound like a band that have modernized their production and style. The artwork is nice and vibrant; there are format options to choose from also. The Danish named Evil has a welcome return after so long away, but as I said, they sound a touch different to what you may come to expect, but there is a vast amount of quality on display and this time you don’t have to “Take Good Care (of Your Balls)”!
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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