They’ve been going since 2002 and with Devil’s Bell they release their seventh album, yet Norwegian powerhouses Audrey Horne are hardly household names in the hard rock and metal world, certainly not in the UK. I’ve been a fan since the late 00s and was lucky enough to see them at Sonisphere in 2010. I’ve followed them with keen interest since, with their hitting all the right notes for me. The band may have had members of Enslaved and Gorgoroth in their lineup over the years, but their music is very much hard rock tinged with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe that ensures you’ll be tapping your foot and singing along very quickly.
This may sound a bit throwaway but that is far from the truth. Whilst Audrey Horne do dive deep into the influences from the seventies and eighties, there’s plenty of contemporary style within their music. Four years on from their last release, the excellent Blackout, Devil’s Bell is without a doubt the band’s most impressive album so far. Nine tracks, perfectly crafted and infectious to the point of needing to seek medical attention! From the stomping opener “Ashes to Ashes”, via the perfectly created “Danse Macabre” through to the splendid seven-minutes of closing song “From Darkness”, there is nothing but outstanding music that demands repeat plays.
The musicianship is as high in quality and performance as on previous releases. Frontman Toschie’s vocals fit the band’s powerful driving music fantastically. Check out the title track which races along at a high tempo whilst Toschie delivers with ease. Alongside Toschie, the dual guitars of Enslaved’s Arve Isdal (Ice Dale) and Thomas Tofthagen (Sahg) bring the twin guitar attack of classic bands like Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash and Iron Maiden back to life with panache and flair. Behind them the solid platform formed by the rhythm section of bassist Espen Lien and drummer Kjetil Greve ensure that the band has the perfect springboard to deliver their magic.
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“Return to Grave Valley” allows the band to flex their musical muscles in a highly enjoyable instrumental. The title track features some sumptuous guitar work and a soaring solo from Isdal. Elsewhere each song brings something different and pleasing. The hard rocking riff of “Toxic Twins” with its punky overtones and bluesy guitar work contrast with the more measured “All Is Lost”. It doesn’t really matter, for each song brings a melodic hard rock anthem which will instantly have you singing along, and the hooks will be in your head for ages after you manage to turn the album off.
Each song captivates and engages, there’s no filler here. Toschie’s infectious energy surges throughout the album and enhances a masterful performance from a band who are on top form from start to finish. Audrey Horne remains criminally underrated two decades after they first formed. Devil’s Bell is another album that demonstrates why this is the case and it is an album that will fit neatly into my top lists at the end of the year. One can only hope for some UK appearances in the not-too-distant future.
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Devil’s Bell is out on 22nd April
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