DEVILS IN HEAVEN – Rise [’80s-’90s recordings / AOR Heaven remaster] (2021) *HQ*

DEVILS IN HEAVEN were an Australian Melodic Rock group that had its heydays during the late 80s and early 90s, when they mainly toured Australia’s East Coast, bringing the band a loyal fan following. The band made themselves well-known in the live circuit while recording some of their songs. They even flew to the USA to record an EP with Arthur Payson (Ratt) producing, but DEVILS IN HEAVEN didn’t made a full album.
A few years go AOR Heaven Records released “Rise“, containing DEVILS IN HEAVEN many AOR and melodic treasures from different recording sessions, fully remastered.
Given the sheer quality of the song material, it’s a shame DEVILS IN HEAVEN didn’t get a record deal back in the ’80s. Their songs are catchy, some kind of mix between Harem Scarem, Roxus, Aviator, and more – really good material and well produced & recorded.
Dave Whitney’s voice was amazing and connected so well with the melodic music of the band. This is the kind of AOR you hardly hear anymore, because it had a lot of soul in the vocal department, outstanding hooks and choruses, picture perfect arrangements and a huge sound.

Despite all the new AOR bands out there, DEVILS IN HEAVEN’s first official full-length CD is a blessing, because this is the real deal, although it concerns recordings from 25-30 years ago. A total of 14 songs is included, featuring the original tracks from their EP ‘Liberation’ recorded in the USA, along with other unreleased songs by the band, and couple from Whitney’s solo works recorded after DEVILS IN HEAVEN split.

Opener ‘Liberation’ is big sounding uptempo melodic rock like early HAREM SCAREM meets HUNTER’s Dreams Of Ordinary Men and a touch of 80s NOISEWORKS), ‘The Night Is Over’ an absolute ’80s-style AOR classy tune like a mix between AVIATOR and ROXUS), while ‘Ships In The Night’ is superb AOR a la HARLAN CAGE / FORTUNE).
The midtempo soulful AOR ballad ‘Say A Prayer’ (once again sounding like first HAREM SCAREM) was released locally in Australia back in 1992, but never heard elsewhere.

The catchy ‘All Night’ is one of these classy uptempo AOR tunes full of magic, bringing to mind PREVIEW), the poppy 80s hi-tech AOR / Pop-rocker ‘Listen To My Heart’ have some GLASS TIGER / HAYWIRE all overs, and the midtempo Dreams is a sophisticated tune with a SAFIRE / ROXUS feel.

Australia was home for various quality AOR / Melodic Rock band in the ’80s / ’90s. DEVILS IN HEAVEN were one of the best and thankfully many of the music they created was finally put on CD for all fans of the genre rejoice.
DEVILS IN HEAVEN “Rise” has become pretty hard to find, as AOR Heaven Records ceased operations and the album has been retired from all digital services.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Liberation
02 – The Night Is Over
03 – Take Me
04 – Ain’t It a Wonder
05 – Ships in the Night
06 – Say a Prayer
07 – Age (Simple Man)
08 – All Night
09 – Listen to My Heart
10 – Dreams
11 – Your Beating Heart
12 – Heart, Mind & Soul
13 – Ships in the Night (1990 Version, Bonus Track)
14 – Ain’t It a Wonder (1990 Version, Bonus Track)

Dave Whitney (Vocals / Guitar)
Matt Shield (Bass)
Nelson Tabe (Keyboards)
Phil Crothers (Drums)

BUY:
www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Devils-Heaven/dp/B093QSSXP9