DEVILFIRE – Black Soul Vendetta

Strong Effort from Birmingham Quintet

Dark Melodic Hard rockers Devilfire have released their second full length album titled Black Soul Vendetta on Escape The Fire Records, giving us another solid effort out of Birmingham, UK.  The new album features 13 new songs including “Chasing the Pain”, a collaboration with former Slash and Alice Cooper vocalist, Eric Dover.  Devilfire formed off the back of an early studio session between long term friends Alex Cooper (singer / producer) and drummer, Lars Wickett. The band plays slick melodic Album Oriented Rock that is well produced and easy to listen too.

Black Soul Vendetta

When asked about the new release and the timing with the current health crisis Producer and Devilfire front man Alex Cooper said “We do everything in-house, recording, production, mastering, the lot. We had the album all ready to go and had even soft-launched it to our own fan base when the pandemic kicked in. Ironically, rather than this being a disaster it allowed us to link up with TMR Management who we have worked closely with to create an even better product. We signed a distribution deal with Cargo Records and  lined up a vinyl version and created some kick-ass artwork.”

The Highlights

The obvious songs that stand out as singles include “Dream Evil” and “Black Soul Bones”. Both tunes have strong melodies and good hooks, showing off the obvious vocal talents of Alex Cooper. If you closed your eyes while listening, you might think that Robin McAuley snuck into the recording as Cooper’s voice bears a strong similarity to the MSG front man. This reviewer’s favorites include “Dead Man Walking” with it’s catchy riffs and foot stomping beat, along with “Vendetta” which has something about it that makes it come back to you long after the album is over.

Final Notes

The album is well produced with a slick, big studio sound. From track to track the album takes you on a journey back to the days of great Power Rock songs with layered harmonies and a good balance that let’s you enjoy the whole album in a single listening. Black Soul Vendetta is available on vinyl, CD, download as well as streaming platforms, giving fans lots of options to get their hands on this solid effort. Devilfire have put together a strong second album that definitely deserves a spot in your Hard Rock collection.

Lineup

Alex Cooper – vocals
Baz Blackett  -guitars
Kieran Topp – guitars
Jamie Downes – bass
Lars Wickett – drums

Black Soul Vendetta – Tracklist

1. Cruelest Animal (3:27)
2. Chasing The Pain (3:58)
3. Live A Lie (3:33)
4. Vendetta (3:55)
5. Dead Man Walking (3:53)
6. Dream Evil (3:55)
7. Justify (3:52)
8. Sell My Soul (4:36)
9. You’re Gonna Break My Heart (4:53)
10. What You Pay For (5:11)
11. Black Soul Bones (4:37)
12. Decadence (3:54)
13. Wasn’t It Love? (5:30)