Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Devil's Train Devil's Train Company: Ear Music Release: 2012 Genre: Hard Rock Reviewer: EC

May take itself too seriously

Occasionally a band will just find a song or a set of songs that just doesn't fit the definition of their sound. We've seen this happen from time to time in music and now we have a new depiction of that scenario with rookie act Devil's Train. This self titled debut is the brain trust of Mystic Prophecy mainman R.D. Liapakis. The talented Greek honed in on a downtuned, hard rock sound that skirts the Euro-power metal scene completely and fails to land on the plate of Mystic Prophecy. Liapakis ran with the ticket and now Devil's Train is riding the rails.

Along with the main songwriter and frontman in Liapakis comes everyone's favorite drummer journeyman in Jorg Michael (Running Wild, Stratovarius, Headhunter) along with a Greek guitar virtuoso in Lakis Regazas. Together the band make up a hard rock sound that borders on Black Label Society and a similarity to The New Black and Pure Inc. The record comes tight, clean and full of promise as each track nails that polished rock and roll sound. The problem lies in the fact that it may take itself too seriously and the songs never really breathe on their own.

This sort of album heads for a middle of the road endeavor and, honestly, I'm not sure how much staying power it really has. There are so many bands out there doing this better and more "lively" than Devil's Train but nonetheless it does have a solid backdrop of great licks, good vocals and Michael's pension for quick hands and thick beats. Depending on how many hard rock platters you've been served this week/month/year will depend on how much quality time you spend with these guys.