A LULLABY FOR THE DEVIL

It only took one listen to know this was different from their past albums. Devon himself has said that the last three albums were cut from the same cloth and it was time for a change. More flute on this one along with more aggression, heaviness and distortion. Now normally for me that would be a positive change in direction but for whatever reason it doesn't translate that way when I listen to this record. I miss the old sound already. Not that this is even an average recording because it's well above that, there's just too much on here that i'm not a fan of. The cover art design concept was Devon's idea and Travis Smith illustrated it. My least favourite cover art too (haha). The band thanks THRESHOLD and SIEGES EVEN among others.

Love the way this album starts with the bass intro to "Psychosphere". Drum outbursts come and go as the guitar starts to make some noise. Vocals a minute in are distorted with spoken words to follow.There's a nice heavy undercurrent throughout. "Good Bye City Life" opens with spoken words as the sound builds to a heavy doom-like soundscape. It settles right down with piano and reserved vocals 2 minutes in. Kicks back in a minute later and the vocals that follow are getting close to the rap style. Strummed guitar as it lightens 4 minutes in. Flute follows and marching styled drums. It kicks back in late. "Here Come The Pigs" is heavy as drums pound and vocals growl. Some wailing guitar in this one. Vocal samples too. "Lost In You" features more heaviness until we get a calm before 3 1/2 minutes.

"A Stairway To Nowhere" is my favourite. The vocals before 1 1/2 minutes remind me of Steven Wilson. Heavy guitar before 2 minutes comes and goes as vocals continue.This is a very cool song. "The Gossamer Strand" opens with piano and flute. The guitar becomes prominant before 1 1/2 minutes and the tempo picks up after 2 minutes. It settles 5 minutes in. Lots of flute in this one. "Any Sign At All" opens with some deep bass lines and drums.Guitar comes and goes. Reserved vocals come in and they do get passionate. "Fear" opens with strummed guitar as vocals come in. This reminds me of PINK FLOYD. Nice guitar solo 2 minutes in as the sound gets fuller. "Further Down" is heavy with guitar playing over top. Vocals join in. "A Lullaby For The Devil" opens with piano as reserved vocals come in. It kicks in heavily around a minute then settles as contrasts continue.

This is the first DEADSOUL TRIBE album I haven't given 4 stars to. Still there's lots to like here.