Album Review: Devil You Know - They Bleed Red
By Eric Perzanowski, Staff Writer
[Nuclear Blast; 2015]
Rating: 3/5
Key Tracks: “The Way We Die,” “Stay of Execution”
Metal supergroup Devil You Know has released its second full-length album in as many years with They Bleed Red. Although the group continues to establish its own style, it does not maintain the same memorability as The Beauty of Destruction.
With They Bleed Red, Devil You Know creates a sound distinct from the projects of its members’ pasts. The Devil You Know style has some similarity to vocalist Howard Jones’ past work with Killswitch Engage, but more rooted with elements of groove metal. Vocally, Jones cuts back on screaming and growling. Additionally, Jones’ singing voice shows areas that were never explored in Killswitch Engage.
There is a variety of styles on this album. From the blasting extremity of “Stay of Execution” to ballad “Let the Pain Take Hold” to anthemic “The Way We Die,” listeners get to hear several sides of the band.
As the album progresses, the quality of songwriting fades out. The first half of They Bleed Red is mostly full of standout tracks. While the second half isn't a complete 180, the material is noticeably less enticing in comparison.
Overall, They Bleed Red does not stand out as much as the material The Beauty of Destruction does. Devil You Know continues forming a style of its own, instead of just being “that band with the old singer from Killswitch.”
