Album Review: DVL – Hush (WormHoleDeath Records)

DVL (formerly known as D3VILMAYCRY) mix blazing sonics with the classic sound of NWOBHM that’s aligned with tinges of U.S. hard rock and heavy metal. The SAMA (Scottish Alternative Metal Awards) nominated group will release their new 10 track record ‘Hush’ through WormHoleDeath Records on May 27th, 2022.

‘Hush’ is a conceptual album made up of short stories that reflect on modern society. Each song tells a different tale, with some lyrics leaning towards fantasy and others possibly too close to unmasking the truth. Yet while the songs may tell their own individual stories they are all tied together by one overarching concept based on mental health.

A pounding and powerful blast of hard rock and heavy metal, Hush is an album of anthems. Track after track that wouldn’t sound out place in an arena. All the elements of the band combining in creative and interesting ways to leave a strong feeling of satisfaction. Especially if you enjoy a bit of the old-fashioned head-banging.

With riffs a-plenty, loads of groove, bucketloads of energy and an innate ear for catchiness, DVL are aiming high with this release. Kicking off with the heavyweight Among Us, before really hitting their stride with Dead Man’s Switch and Eternity. The former; a bit moodier, a bit more melodic but with a powerful chorus and stonking guitar solo. While the latter is DVL digging into their heavier side for a more robust sound and throwing in more aggressive vocals. It’s a varied and very intriguing bunch of tracks. You might even call them ‘bar setters’.

Though, that is a challenge DVL are more than up to the task of meeting as they deliver a punchy bout of head-banging noise with Dread. Thrill with the rhythmic Parasomnia and enlighten with the sullen and jazzy-twang of The Pitch. The latter is one of the more unique and most exciting tracks on the album, even if the tempo suggest otherwise.

It’s here though, during this section of the album that an itch was finally scratched. An itch that was trying to get the attention in regards to a comparison. It was here that comparisons to the likes of Avenged Sevenfold and Guns ‘N’ Roses became a bit clearer.

The latter part of the album then kicks off with Hallows and sees DVL return to a more anthemic and energetic hard rock style. Something that suits them even if the variety elsewhere is often the more interesting stuff. It’s followed by Stranger and Trial by Fire; the former a blistering showcase of the guitar and the latter, a chunky and groovy reminder of just how much head-banging quality this album holds overall.

Finally, it’s the title track and it sees DVL going all out to end things in spectacular fashion. One last anthemic hit, one last reason to raise a fist in the air, one last reason to head-bang yourself silly and one last reason to celebrate the arrival of this album.

DVL – Hush Full Track Listing:

1. Among Us
2. Dead Man’s Switch
3. Eternity
4. Dread
5. Parasomnia
6. The Pitch
7. Hallows
8. Stranger
9. Trial By Fire
10. Hush

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