CD REVIEW: BATTLES by CHARM CITY DEVILS

BATTLES by Charm City Devils
(The End Records)

Baltimore-based hard rock outfit, Charm City Devils are back with their third album, 'Battles'' and just like they have with their previous recordings, these boys tear it up! The band is comprised of, John Allen (lead vocals), Anthony Arambula (bass), Jason Heiser (drums), Nick Kay and Victor Karrera (guitars). The Charm City Devils deliver that great classic hardrock sound that draws from AC/DC and Aerosmith as well as Motley Crue and Guns n' Roses and Bring it into the 21st Century. Blasting out of the blocks with, "Tear It Apart"and following it up with the bump and grind swagger with, "Crucify" from there on its an all out blitzkrieg of rocking proportion with fuel injected rockers like, "Shots", "Everyday", "Want" and "God's Gonna Cut You Down". Other highlights are; "Lying To Myself" and the album closer, "Let It Go". 'Battles' is the sort of album you can throw on in the background when some friends come over to party or crank it up when you are rocking down the highway. Musically everything is louder than everything else, the percussive attack is strong and everything is bright and shiny with plenty of melodies and hooks to have you shamelessly nodding your head to. The powerful vocals of John Allen standout, it's the old story of the difference between a great singer and a great frontman. On the evidence of this release he is probably in the latter category. You wouldn't know it from the inane stuff that gets played on mainstream rock radio, but this is a great time to be a rock n' roll fan. Charm City Devils are flying the hard rock flag that was dropped when grunge took over, and they're doing it with great swagger and energy. If you like your rock music loaded with attitude and just sounds better the louder you turn up the volume, you'll want to get your hands on 'Battles' by Charm City Devils, five All American rockers serving up rock music that will not only fill your ears or the room, but an arena. The Charm City Devils aren't your dad's or your big brother's rock 'n' roll band. They're yours! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine