Throw in some gang chants, unexpected breakdowns, and a hefty dose of sheer brilliance and you’ve got Devil Sold His Soul’s new album.

The opening ‘Tides’ packs a punch, with all what you’d expect, except with Ed Gibb’s vocals this time round, the band have certainly enjoyed experimenting. Ed’s voice continues to change in depth throughout the album, which makes for a nice transition from ‘A Fragile Hope’, yet some elements are still the same, and so will please the current fans.

With nothing but the Guitars, the initial quietness in ‘An Ocean of Lights’ gives you enough breathing time to heartily appreciate the music when it kicks in. Building up at it’s peak to then bring you down on such a high of surprise, Devil’s sound can be summed up as that. Their sound is undeniably a mix of both the dark and light, with the countless shades in between, but what makes Devil Sold His Soul so special is the pure anthemic and formidable sound they release.

‘Blessed and Cursed’ is in its entirety still closely connected to ‘A Fragile Hope’ in the sense that the reason we’re so fond of Devil in the first place can still be seen in this album. Our inceptive interest is not only satisfied but heightened.

Simplistic at first, ‘Frozen’ is soft and poles apart from Devil’s ‘As The Storm Unfolds’-esque style. There’s a prominent feel that the overall sound can somewhat be describable as the calm before the storm. Beautiful on the ears and eery, Devil Sold His Soul have managed to project their progressive metal in the most intricate and mind blowing way.

Haunting vocals, soft vocals, diverse vocals at that, this is a band that continue to stun me, and hopefully yourselves too. I find myself throughout as ‘Blessed and Cursed’ continues to play set on the song I’m convinced is the standout, a song subsequent and I’m forced to eat my own words.

Devil Sold His Soul are both monumentally impressive live and on record, and with fingers well and truly crossed, ‘Blessed and Cursed’ will finally give them the recognition they vitally deserve.

‘A Foreboding Sky’ is a prime exemplification of just how far the band have progressed from their 2007 album ‘A Fragile Hope’, as that album in itself most would admit would’ve been a challenge to outdo - but take all the elements of their new album and you’ll quickly come to realise its been accomplished.

‘Blessed and Cursed’ in one word is epic, and will mesmerize you from start to finish. Devilish and angelic, their sound is sensational head nodding music. Devil Sold His Soul with no hesitation should become a band that are left at the tip of our tongues, all we have to do now is wait and see.

Lucy Goodwin