“Last Man Standing”, the leading single of the second full-length album by Pop Evil was released last fall and it’s a strong, powerful, 101 % American rock/metal song with all its best characteristics. “Monster You Made”, the second single from the album, was released on June 7, 2011 and it’s a power-ballad, maybe we chances on the charts, but actually quite pale and pointless. The album it’s right between great rock songs and themes and pale, faceless, plastic and second-hand taste like indie/post grunge whatevers. Good to hear catchy, beefy riffs like “Last Man Standing”, “Boss’s Daughter”, “Epitaph” or “Black & Blue” have, I see (hear) no sense in the Pearl Jam meats Bon Jovi copying “Let It Go”, “Next Life”, “Purple” and the mentioned “Monster You Made” ballads and cliches.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YB6H5q_gyU&w=500&h=305]
“Broken & Betrayed” reminds me of Godsmack, and generally, Pop Evil have something from their sound and approach. More rocks and less lemonade would be just fine. Leigh Kakaty have a strong, powerful and absolute rock voice, they should exploited it maximally. “War of Angels” have some great themes and moments, but staying with one eye on Billboard is always harmful for the music…
The band was formed in Muskegon, Michigan in 2001 by Leigh Kakaty, Dave Grahs, and Dylan Allison while lead guitarist Tony Greve was originally added as a temporary studio musician, but he was asked to become a full-time member in early 2007. Around the same time, bassist Jamie Nummer left the band and was replaced by Matt DiRito, formerly of Archangel.
Their debut album, “Lipstick on the Mirror”, was released in August 2008.
“War of Angels” was originally expected to be released February 8th, 2011, but was delayed till today, July 5, 2011 and it’s released via E1 Music.
