Ninewinged Serpent

In the true form of European metal bands, Devian brings the pain with their album: Ninewinged Serpent. This record is straight-up brutality from start to finish. One of the heaviest things coming out of Scandinavia in the last decade. While some of the beauty of this album is buried under slightly sub-par recording quality, this album is still absolutely worth a listen. The guitar riffs are a glorious amalgamation of thrash, black, and death metal. with the latter being the most prominent influence. Legion's vocals are astoundingly epic on both of their albums, and it does not disappoint in a single song the whole way through.

Serenade for the Fallen perfectly sets the mood for the album. Dark and brooding, this song lets you know your face is about to get melted for the next 55 minutes. Once Dressed in Blood kicks in the mosh pit begins and next thing you know large, angry, bearded men with long hair are throwing you around like a rag doll. Because this album is badass. Right after that song fades out Heresy kicks in. Kicks your face in, that is. This track is a highlight off the record. Totally heavy and brutal, and Erik's vocals and second to none in this environment. The edginess and grit is perfect, the pounding drums and screaming guitars are utterly epic. Scarred was the music video track for the album, another great song though not quite as memorable as the two preceding it.

All in all, this album is off the chain sick. Heavy, epic riffs and drumming, some utterly brutal vocals and really phenomenal songwriting. It is sad that this band was so short lived and that they didn't have access to better studio equipment or production but it certainly isn't enough to interfere with the enjoyment of this album. When European death metal comes to mind, Devian is one of the first bands I will turn to in search of killer riffs, some tight drumming, and what might be considered some of the fiercest, most badass vocals coming out of that Scandinavian metal haven.

Ever since Legion left the helm of Marduk I wondered whatever became of him. Well, with the help of the trusty resource known as Metal-Archives, (a cheap plug I know but that really is how I found out about Devian) I found out that he formed a new band and released an album via Century Media Records. Naturally, being a fan of Legion era Marduk I figured I would give this band a chance and let me just say I am glad I did.

Now by know means is this album groundbreaking in any way, however it is one of those albums that has a basic formula that is done to perfection. The formula is quite simple but effective. Take a somewhat technical intro, add some thrashy riffs with a dark overtone, add a dash of on pace drumming, and finally Legion's signature vocal style and listen for just over 45 minutes and you have the recipe for a good album.

What is really nice about this album is that it appeals to fans of Marduk and non-fans alike. For those of you who liked Legion in Marduk you won't be disappointed with Devian in any way. He still has the same aggressive vocal style he had on all of the Marduk releases and still uses the same lyrical content for the most part so you shouldn't be disappointed at all.

For those of you who couldn't get into Marduk because you are not a fan of the black metal style don't worry, with the added parts taken from thrash and death metal you have something that is a little more accessible for those of you who can't get your head around Marduk.

If you want an album that is raw to its core swarming with black metal riffs and drumming then I'm sorry this album is not for you. However, if you want an album with a groove, harsh vocals, that will keep you entertained for 45 minutes than by all means I encourage you to listen to this album.