earMUSIC [Release date 02.02.15]
I reviewed the Devil’s Train debut album in 2012 and was very impressed describing it as “a wonderful gut-churning, ball-grabbing, riff-fest”. All credit, then, that this is more than just a one-off project for ex-members of Stratovarius, Mystic Prophecy and Evergrey. If you’ve seen the band’s video for the lead single ‘Hollywood Girl’ you might get the wrong impression: it all looks a bit clichéd and old school.
The riffs and economical songwriting are still in place and this seems to be pitched from the Slash/Myles Kennedy handbook of hard rocking with a nod to bands like SOiL. As an album of riff-based raunchy tunes it still takes some beating from the relentless churning of ‘Mr Jones’ and ‘Rock Forever’ to the pneumatic ‘Girl Like You’.
However, a couple of cover songs – ‘Born To Be Wild’ and ‘Immigrant Song’ – are frankly unnecessary as they don’t add anything to the originals and could appear as filler. And, moreover, I like a damn good riff like the next man but ‘II’ is relentless from the off and there is a lack of real light and shade. A mid-paced killer ballad or two – like the wonderful ‘Forever’ on the debut – wouldn’t have gone amiss. A flawed follow-up perhaps but feisty, yes. ****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT
Archive review (Devil’s Train, 2012)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025
HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
