Named after a COC song, Diablo Blvd. is a Belgian band started by comedian Alex Agnew in 2005. They already released a demo from which I learned that unlike Tenacious D or Flight Of The Conchords (other examples of bands started by comedians), Diablo Blvd. is a band that doesn’t rely on punchlines or gimmicks. Agnew - along with with members of Born From Pain, A Brand and The Ditch - means business.
“The Greater God” kicks off with Agnew asking us if we are listening before launching headfirst into “The Day The Moon Howls”. Pounding drums, powerful and melodic riffs, Danzig-like vocals with the occasional Keith Caputo-esque wail and catchy choruses… Diablo Blvd. has it all. This is - simply put - rock ‘n roll played by a bunch of guys with their balls intact. Guns ‘N Roses, Misfits, The Cult, Billy Idol… it’s all present and accounted for somewhere in these twelve songs with “Second Coming” and “Sweete Enemy Mine” as my personal favorites.
All too often Belgian rock bands have an air of pretentiousness surrounding them, which is a damn shame. Luckily now we have Diablo Blvd. to remind us of what rock ‘n roll is supposed to sound like!
Score: 8 out of 10
http://www.pias.be
http://www.diabloboulevard.com
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