White Wizzard are back with their latest platter of traditional metal for Earrache Records, and if you haven't yet checked out this Los Angeles act with their penchant for classic sounds, then make sure you put The Devil's Cut on your want list. These guys obviously grew up worshipping the NWOBHM, so expect plenty of influences ranging from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Saxon, but with a modern twist, especially in the guitar department.
Will Wallner & Jake Dreyer provide a non stop assortment of riffs and dazzling solos throughout The Devil's Cut, and you can experience their virtuosity right off the bat on the opening blast of "Forging the Steel" and "Strike the Iron". Vocalist Joseph Michael has quite the set of pipes, soaring to the heavens in most cases but also able to deliver a more '80s melodic style as on "Kings of the Highway". The galloping "Lightning in My Hands" delivers not only six-string majesty but also memorable melodies, and the furious title track as well as the raging "Torpedo of Truth" proves just how much energy this band can muster when they really dig down deep. A couple of tunes come a tad too close to '80s hair metal acts like Skid Row, Dokken, and Motley Crue (not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but it can confuse the listener), but for the most part White Wizzard once again stick to their guns and have delivered a fun set of classic & modern sounds here, brimming with sizzling guitar work, powerful vocals, and have housed it all within memorable tunes. Can't ask for much more than that!
Track Listing
1. Forging the Steel
2. Strike the Iron
3. Kings of the Highway
4. Lightning in My Hands
5. Steal Your Mind
6. The Devil's Cut
7. Torpedo of Truth
8. Storm Chaser
9. The Sun Also Rises
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