Artist: Deadsoul Tribe Album: A Lullaby For The Devil Label: InsideOut Music Website: http://www.deadsoultribe.com/ Reviewer: Paulo André

Devon Graves, formerly known as Buddy Lackey back when he was the singer of Psychotic Waltz, moved to Vienna in 1999 and decided that it was time to finally realize his vision for what his own music should be. Having built his own studio and enlisting drummer Adel Moustafa, he has been steadily churning out excellent prog metal records under the Deadsoul Tribe moniker since 2002. Usually described as a cross between Black Sabbath and Tool, Devon Graves wanted a different approach, perhaps in order to finally forge his own unique sound. Maybe working with Arjen Lucassen in Ayreon's "The Human Equation" gave Devon Graves a more acute sense of epic but the truth is "A Lullaby For The Devil", released last Setember through InsideOut, is definitely Deadsoul Tribe's most diverse and accomplished record to date. There's heavy, bone crushing riffing and harmonized guitars ("Psychospere", "Further Down") and there's mellow with cuts like "Fear" or "A Stairway to Nowhere". But where "A Lullaby For The Devil" really shines is where it all gets mixed up and the transitions are handled smoothly. Songs like "Goodbye City Life" and especially "The Gossamer Strand" are highlights, both featuring amazing flute work by Graves himself and it's inevitable to think of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. There's also the tension-filled "Here Come The Pigs", an angry, heavy, almost Ministry-esque tune featuring an intriguing sample of Mario Savio famous "put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels" 1962 activist speech. And what to say about the diversity of "Lost in You" and the self-titled closer cut showcasing Graves at his vocal best? This is a guy who can sing and definitely a guy who can produce. His voice sounds fantastic in every register. Unfortunately, there's also bad news. Albums like these should never suffer from a weak production and while this is by no means a catastrophe, it is uneven, muddy in places and don't even get me started on that snare drum sound. Fortunately, Graves seems to think the same way and in a past interview admitted plans to re-release the record with a different mix. Other than this slight setback, which is by no means a show stopper, "A Lullaby For The Devil" is one of the strongest prog metal releases of the year, arguably the best in Deadsoul Tribe's prolific albeit yet short history. Graves indicates he's moving into movie territory as a hobby, writing screenplays and a Deadsoul Tribe movie is in the works. He's also stated that the seed for the next album is already planted in his mind and that "Goodbye City Life" is a good indication of the direction it will take. If it really turns out like that, we can hardly wait. Band: Devon Graves - lead vocals, guitar Roland Ivenz - bass Adel Moustafa - drums Roland Kerschbaumer - guitar