Unlike some of our previous “premieres,” this one is timed just perfectly. Chicago trad-metal quartet, Bible of the Devil, will be releasing their sixth full-length album, For The Love Of Thugs And Fools, today, May, 8 via Cruz Del Sur Music. It’s their first full-length, since 2008’s Freedom Metal and it’s just the kind of material you would expect from a band with this excellent logo. Old. School.
We have, in fact been totally enamored with the band’s latest. It’s a fully authentic version of rockified metal. This brings us back to late-’70s early Maiden and the proto-metal of North American bands like B.O.C., Riot, the Rods and others. Even the production and performances feel true to the material. That is to say, it feels like real dudes are actually playing it, and that this is pretty close to what they’ll sound like if you’re lucky to catch them on their current tour (see dates below).
And the songs are goddamn catchy, too. These are not simple three-minute tracks—most clock in over five minutes—but every one has a memorable chorus and usually some interesting guitar harmonies. For The Love Of Thugs And Fools is the work of a band with a singular vision of its sound and style. To our ears it’s anachronistic in the best possible way. Even the cover art.
The track we’re premiering is the lead-off, “Sexual Overture/While You Were Away,” which builds from melodic, clean chord strums to a growling rumble where vocalist/guitarist Mark Hoffmann spits out a caustic tale about sexual treachery. Dude doesn’t have the smoothest pipes, but his bark is still capable of spinning some decent melodies. It’s a great tune that we’re proud to premiere. If you like it, go out and get it, as it is released today.
Bible of the Devil “In Raw We Trust” Tour Dates
May 8th Tues. Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
May 9th Wed. Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
May 10th Thurs. Wichita, KS @ Barleycorn’s
May 11th Fri. Denver, CO @ 3 Kings Tavern
May 12th Sat. Albuquerque, NM @ Burt’s Tiki Lounge
May 13th Sun. Las Cruces, NM @ The Train Yard (house party)
May 15th Tues. San Antonio, TX @ Nightrocker Live
May 16th Wed. Austin, TX @ Red 7
May 17th Thurs. New Orleans, LA @ Siberia
May 18th Fri. Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone Cafe
May 19th Sat. Carbondale, IL @ PK’s
