Born in 2010 Diablo Strange is a trio from Moncton, Canada playing a mix of heavy stoner rock and blues. Influenced by the obvious culprits, Clutch, Queens of the Stone Age, Zeppelin, etc…Diablo Strange is set to release their first full length LP Sordid Tales on May 24th. The most obvious thing I found while listening to this album is that these guys are really good musicians and are able to create solid riffs, melodies and solos that flow effortlessly throughout the 11 songs that are part of this album. They move the music from a fast melodic hard rock sound in songs like 'Brown Paper Bag' and 'Sinister' and hit their stonier side in 'Evolution' and 'Borrowed Time'. They are solid with what they put down and Matt Cormier’s gruff vocals enhance the sound that they are producing throughout the album.
However, one of the strongest parts of this album is that they have some really great and catchy songs on this but I am not sure that there is a song on here that is memorable enough to make me want to go back and listen to this album over and over again. As an example, for me to be able to even write this review I had to listen to this album multiple times because very little of it stood out to me. Where Diablo Strange really hits the mark is on the songs 'Evolution' where the melody and backing vocals by guitarist Marty Surette add so much depth that seems to be missing from many of the other songs on the album. Additionally, when Matt Cormier losses his gruff tone in the song 'Greed' it is a testament to how talented and multifaceted this band can be with their music. The problem is that they do not show that throughout the whole album, which is a shame because the potential is there. One other major issue I have with this album is I think they could have shortened it just a little bit. I think 9 songs instead of 11 would have allowed them to focus on the stronger songs of the album and maybe leave out what becomes filler, like the song 'Babylon' that ends the album.
Look, this genre of music that Diablo Strange has decided to join may be one of the hardest to breakthrough in the metal/hard rock world. There are just too many really good bands that have shown that they have the superior stuff and it takes a great record to be able to keep up with these giants. Diablo Strange has produced a competent and catchy album with plenty of bad ass riffs and hooks that will make you take notice of them. The problem for this album is there are not enough of these catchy moments to make the album memorable. I think Diablo Strange has the ability to do great things; and I honestly hope they figure it out because from what I have heard so far from them I think they might have what it takes to run with some of the big dogs.
Until Later, Peace!
