Molly Hatchet
Devil's Canyon

THE REVIEW

Typically power artwork for a completely Hard Rock\Heavy Metal album. An album that, upon first listen, I immediately defined as incredibly mediocre. It's not that they don't know how to play; to deny their technique would be risky, as twenty-five years of career and success are not insignificant. But I wondered, for what reason should a young person buy 1996 Hard Rock music that cannot even remotely be compared to the now renowned pioneers of the genre? That was my first thought.

But listening to it again today, with the passage of time, I think of one thing, that Heavy rock is still a genre, and who knows how many enthusiasts it welcomes. So what's wrong if they want to offer their favorite genre? There's instrumental skill to spare, and the fact that they don't offer anything original (apart from a few faint rock'n roll nuances hidden among the solos...) can't mean that, in context, the album is bad. Actually, putting myself for a moment in the shoes of someone who isn't like me, therefore not inclined to sophisticated and innovative music, but a fan of hard rock from the '70s, USA Jeans, and cola style, this CD could be defined as really cool. In short, what they want to offer is presented well, with some allowed lapses here and there, but overall: enjoyable.

To begin with, "Down From The Mountain" would be the more than perfect song to have playing in a convertible speeding across the Arizona deserts at dawn, really giving the idea of cut-up denim jackets and sunglasses. The atmosphere is increasingly closer to the source, hence more directed toward hard rock than Heavy Metal. Nice solos... but sometimes a bit tiresome... Lots of grit, that's for sure... but then it becomes monotonous, the choruses in the refrains are very fitting but it's the voice that doesn't hold up for the duration of the whole CD, because it's extremely "sufficient" and doesn't hint at any particularity, not even a hoarse shout or a scream. "Rolling Thunder", for example, is too predictable but equally cute for its filling of dynamic and overwhelming solos, even keyboard ones with a piano effect. The title track "Devil's Canyon" is definitely not the best song of the album, but it's appealing for the sweet rhythm and the unrestrained guitar solos in the final part that seems to never end. "Heartless Land" is another example, in this song the solos always and only stand out, thus more than adequate technique, here melancholic. But "Never Say Never" is really beautiful because it's very rock with beautiful Deep Purple style keyboard plays. "Tatanka" hints at a bit more nastiness and grit and reminds me a lot of Skid Row and similar bands back in the day. The best and also the most recommended in my opinion is the danceable "Come Hell Or High Water" which, while connecting to hard rock canons, takes many cues from '60s rock'n roll.

I think I have fairly conveyed the idea; the album presents music that you listen to while shaking your head up and down and then also a little right and left to shake your hair, perhaps wielding a broomstick in hand. A genre better known as Southern Rock. I don't even know if the presence of a ballad in an album of this kind is inevitably expected, but "The Look in your eyes" though a bit too sweet maintains its grace. Maybe it's a necessary interlude, but the tension returns with "Eat Your Heart Out" which seems to be too similar to the seven previous songs. It concludes with "The Journey" with a melodic and gritty rhythm and "Dreams I'll Never See" sweet and with plucked acoustic guitar.

Final thoughts: borrow it from someone who has it but don't buy it unless you are very passionate about the genre. If, however, you are a fan of this '70s and American country blues rock metal style, it might even prove essential for you, but I don't take responsibility just for being too kind toward them. I also think that 90% of the questionable subjective quality is composed of the singer's voice, too inexpressive, perhaps if the singer from Twisted Sister were there it would have turned out to be a real masterpiece.