Devil's Blood

They say never judge a book by its cover, or an album by its nonsensical title. Yet it's hard to begin a sitting of The Thousandfold Epicentre without expecting the requisite modern metal assault, complete with guttural grunts, rather than the clean female vocals and hardened psychedelic rock package ultimately put forward. Indeed, those new to Dutch outfit the Devil's Blood will be surprised by both the vintage themes and tones prevalent throughout, including plenty of occult references thrown in for extra spice. Despite their on-record issues with religion and death, the attempts at a satanic edge are hard to take seriously, but the lyrical weight takes a backseat to a mix of second-rate Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull and Black Sabbath riffs. Apart from the uprated production, there's not a great deal to offer to listeners, unless you have a thing for well-endowed frontwomen, an unhealthy and lifelong obsession with weak '70s hard rock or a misplaced sense of Dutch patriotism.