CD REVIEW: DIABLO BLVD – Follow The Deadlights

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Rating: 9.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

The latest, and first US release, from Diablo Blvd is a rocker from opening note to the final chord.  “Beyond The Veil” opens with a killer drum track, fuzzed guitar riffs, and a heavy bass line that are intensified when the verse and vocals finally kick in after more than a minute of rock goodness.  This is hard rock done right.  “Rise Like Lions” opens with a heavy groove that gets heavier when vocals courtesy of Alex Agnew are unleashed at the verse and chorus.  The guitar work is awesome and gives the song direction, while allowing the bass and drums to anchor the track.  Title track “Follow The Deadlights” is a bit more mainstream rock, with a mellow intro and verse.  Once the anthem-style chorus hit and the vocals are dialed up a notch, the song seems to take on a new life.  “We Are Legion” is a steadier track that gives the rhythm section of Kris Martens (drums) and Tim Bekaert (bass) control of the tempo and aggressive nature of the track.  The guitars join in and blend with the vocals to give the song an added boost of energy.  “Peace Won By War” has a tempo unlike most tracks on this disc.  The song is solid and heavy without becoming overbearing or thrashy, keeping the rock quotient in check.

“Get Up 9” is furious and frantic, without losing direction or intensity.  The guitars, bass, and drums all mix well during the introduction and subside enough to give the vocals room to run and control the tempo of the track.  “Son Of Cain” is as great modern rock track that dips its sound in the classic pool while keeping a ‘now’ sound prevalent throughout.  The vocals are exceptional on this track and dance nicely with the different tones of the guitars from Andries Beckers and Dave Hubrechts.  “Fear Is For The Enemy” features more great guitar work from Beckers and Hubrechts.  The twin-axe attack that opens the track is quickly accelerated when the drums and bass join in.  Once the heavy vocals from Agnew are blended in, the song starts kicking down doors.  “End Of Time” opens with an extended introduction that builds the song without heavy vocals or aggressive beats.  The song morphs into a great rocker that features both heavy and aggressive tones without becoming too heavy or hardcore.  Disc closer “Inhuman” ignores all of the different tempos, textures, and attitudes from the other tracks on the disc and gives the collection a great send off.  The mellower track is as close as this unit gets to a ballad.  The end of the track allows the vocals, drums, and bass to let off steam without diluting the simplicity of the song.

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Category: CD Reviews