DEVICIOUS – Never Say Never [Remastered + 1] (2024) *HQ*

Since the release of their debut album “Never Say Never” in 2018 German-based rockers DeVICIOUS have become a force to be reckoned in the melodic hard rock scene, with each new record showcasing their musical evolution.
Now DeVICIOUS and their current label Metalapolis Records are re-releasing that first CD originally appeared on a small indie company, with a refreshing remastered job plus an extra track recorded 2024 especially for this reissue; “Never Say Never [Remastered + 1]“.
From the start with ‘Everything’, DeVicious showcase their credentials: midtempo Melodic Rock / AOR with a certain Scandinavian feel, mixed with a British touch, smooth lead vocals, sharp guitar riffs, keys / synths cleverly placed and very, very well arranged harmony vocals / choruses.
Next ‘Penthouse Floor’ is much more AOR, something similar to the last works from LIONVILLE or WILD ROSE. Delicious stuff, again with great taste in the arrangements. Listeneing that pair of tracks we can see why DeVicious were chosen to support HARDLINE, AMMUNITION and XTASY in 2018.

‘One Track Mind’ bringsto mind the sadly disbanded DIAMOND DAWN, it’s modern melodic rock with punch but always with an eye put into the classic sound of the genre.
‘Lullaby’ arrives with some dreamy keyboards accompanied by the precious phrasing of lead singer Mister Sanders (a real find), developing into a solid melody which carries this slow (not a ballad) tune.

The proper album ballad comes with ‘A Night to Remember’ including pianos and some acoustic guitar, where Sanders’ vocals turn more raspy, sensual, in a JON BON JOVI type of register. Strong song, reminiscent as well of Italians WHEELS OF FIRE.
‘Crying in the Rain’ is a slightly ‘by numbers’ melodic rock, but even here the band never bore you. There’s a flashy guitar solo in the vein of WHITE WIDDOW.

‘Calling Angels’ and ‘Hand in Hand’ are both solid rockers, especially the latter with its multi-part vocal arrangements, while title track ‘Never Say Never’ changes the focus a little. It’s the heaviest track on the CD, a hard rocker with an AXEL RUDI PELL feel to it, and call me nuts, but Sanders sings here in a RONNIE JAMES DIO style. A homage? Anyway, it works greatly and it’s a welcomed variation to the album.
The band close the record with a superb piano-based ballad titled ‘The Silence’. It’s the kind of song where the vocalist needs to be more than skilled, and Sanders delivers. Crystal clear performance in perfect pitch.

The bonus track on this reissue is a newly recorded version of the album’s single ‘Everything (2024)’, re-recorded this year with new singer Stephan Lipp and new drummer Micha Kasper, and a fine example that a good song is always a good song, and at the same time showcasing how tight the band sounds despite the new members.

Out of nowhere, DEVICIOUS’ ‘Never Say Never’ was one of the surprises of 2018. the music into this debut album
is all about classic Melodic Rock / AOR, with a refreshing spin. All over the record you can hear the years of experience from these guys, and their timeless classic rock / hard rock influences.
‘Never Say Never’ will please a wide audience, even those who needs more ‘substance’ than the average Melodic Rock formula.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – Everything
02 – Penthouse Floor
03 – One Track Mind
04 – Lullaby
05 – A Night to Remember
06 – Crying in the Rain
07 – Calling Angels
08 – Hand in Hand
09 – Never Say Never
10 – The Silence
11 – Everything (2024)

Mister Sanders (Vocals)
Radivoj Petrovic (Lead Guitar)
Gisbert Royder (Rhythm Guitar)
Alex Frey (Bass)
Denis Kunz (Keyboards)
Lars Nippa (Drums)
Stephan Lipp (Vocals on track 11)
Micha Kasper (Drums on track 11)

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www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLKX3Y2P/