CD Reviews – Devil’s Bell Audrey Horne

It could be as a result of they arrive from Bergen, Norway, somewhat than wherever close to the Sundown Strip, however AUDREY HORNE have by no means fairly hit the heights that their music appears to demand. Even again on early albums like “Le Fol” (2017) and the Norwegians’ excellent self-titled document (2010), they have been writing ridiculously memorable and exhilarating arduous rock bangers at such an alarming fee that world domination appeared inevitable. A decade or so later, “Satan’s Bell” is yet one more album stuffed with songs that need to be heard by completely fucking all people, ideally at full blast by way of a automotive radio. Possibly this time, the world pays consideration.

AUDREY HORNE are completely profitable in their very own proper, after all. Having been so constant over time, they’re a revered, well-established cornerstone of European arduous rock. And but, “Satan’s Bell” gives a well timed reminder that they’re a band with sure distinctive charms, too. Firstly, frontman Toschie has an excellent, distinctive voice: he swaggers and soars his means by way of these 9 songs, exuding mischief and conviction in equal quantities. Secondly, AUDREY HORNE are absolute masters of the audacious basic rock hybrid. These songs borrow from all method of cherished sources — from CHEAP TRICK, KISS and VAN HALEN, to METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS — however the finish result’s all the time one thing else fully.

The sheer range of the factor is laudable in itself. Opening salvo “Ashes to Ashes” verges on outrageous, because it switches seamlessly from anthemic ’80s vibes to twisted, post-grunge dirge, whereas additionally boasting a refrain sufficiently big to flatten a cathedral. Quicker and grittier, “Animal” is a excessive octane, velocity metallic sing-along, infectious gang vocals included; “Break Out” goes full ’80s OZZY, replete with meandering, psychedelic middle-eight; “Return To Grave Valley” is a rampant, ingenious instrumental with guitarists Ice Dale and Thomas Tofthagen on spectacular type.

Toschie returns in a boisterous temper on “Dance Macabre” — an organ-drenched boogie rock extravaganza with a blissfully uplifting refrain — and the MAIDEN-saluting fireplace ‘n’ fury of the title monitor, which can be AUDREY HORNE‘s best single second up to now. Diving additional into epic metallic territory than ever earlier than, the regular gallop of “All Is Misplaced” is one other standout, whereas “Poisonous Twins” turns the tables as soon as once more, through the type of strutting, punked-up rock ‘n’ roll that the Scandinavians appear to do higher than anybody. “Satan’s Bell” concludes with “From Darkness”: a seven-minute labyrinth of street-metal riffing, woozy vocal harmonies and grandiose, hallucinatory detours. It’s a startling and surprising second on an album that is filled with such issues. That is basic rock, however AUDREY HORNE fashion. In some ways, it is higher than the true factor.

To touch upon a
Phoosi.com
story or assessment, you have to be logged in to an energetic private account on Fb. When you’re logged in, it is possible for you to to remark. Consumer feedback or postings don’t mirror the point of view of
Phoosi.com
and
Phoosi.com
doesn’t endorse, or assure the accuracy of, any consumer remark. To report spam or any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening feedback, or something which will violate any relevant legal guidelines, use the “Report back to Fb” and “Mark as spam” hyperlinks that seem subsequent to the feedback themselves. To take action, click on the downward arrow on the top-right nook of the Fb remark (the arrow is invisible till you roll over it) and choose the suitable motion. You can too ship an e-mail to Phoosi(@)gmail.com with pertinent particulars.
Phoosi.com
reserves the proper to “disguise” feedback that could be thought-about offensive, unlawful or inappropriate and to “ban” customers that violate the positioning’s Phrases Of Service. Hidden feedback will nonetheless seem to the consumer and to the consumer’s Fb associates. If a brand new remark is revealed from a “banned” consumer or comprises a blacklisted phrase, this remark will mechanically have restricted visibility (the “banned” consumer’s feedback will solely be seen to the consumer and the consumer’s Fb associates).