| The
Review |
Somewhere between the riff meanderings of Helix and the
pop prowess of Pride of Lions lies Hot Wire, a band that plays
a profound hard rock driven blend of AOR that protrudes groove
driven material amongst the melodic pastures laden with six
string splendor rather than synth-pop textures to dilute the
crunch factor. Mixing goodtime party metal with the modern
approach of melodic rock, 'Devil in Disguise' has all the
catchiness, hooks, and intriguing melodies that are needed
top make an AOR record stand out. ***
But they mix diversity on the record when it comes to
performing the ditties involved, like the driving hard rock
with "Waterfalls" and "Skytrain;" LA sleaze metal on the T-Rex
cover of "Hot Love;" not to mention that the high knack for
punching out catchy classic melodic rock tunes is executed
with "Escaping" (which has this Maiden-ish/'Wasted Years'
reminiscent guitar riff), "Everytime You Want It," and the
title track. Of course, what would an album like this be without
cuts like "Wonderland" and the sub-acoustic "Here I Am" providing
the power balladry for that perfect 'moment' with your significant
other? ***
Besides the songs moving around (with the production
aspects complimenting that), the guitar work is also differentiated
throughout stylistically; different influences and techniques
are noticeably present throughout the record. Nevertheless,
'Devil in Disguise' marks another great record for the German
rockers and another high mark for melodic hard rock in the
vein of Bonfire, House of Lords, and Fair Warning.
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