Review: Trucker Diablo “The Devil Rhythm”

Hard rock/metal
WOW. This hard rocking outfit from Northern Ireland formed in 2008 and their January 3, 2012 release of “The Devil Rhythm” (on Ripple Music) is destined to set fire to the stale offerings on the current platter of modern hard rock. You may have been lucky enough to catch them on tour with Black Stone Cherry in Ireland; if not, you can catch them at the 2012 Hammerfest being headlined by Anthrax.

Trucker Diablo should have wide appeal amongst rockers of all stripes – they use thick, crushing guitars making them sound like they belong right alongside of other modern rock champs like Shinedown or Three Days Grace, but they write melodies with chord progressions made famous by the glam bands of the 80s. Most bands simply don’t have the skill – or smarts - to mesh the old and new school rock, but Trucker Diablo gets the job done and then some. They even pull some blues and Southern rock in on occasion (check out “Voodoo” or “Rattlehead”).

The explosive opener, “Drink Beer, Destroy” should be your new party anthem for 2012 – I can’t think of a better track to set the stage for raising a little hell. The metal riffs of “Juggernaut” will put your heart into overdrive. With its muscular riffs but intensely melodic chorus, “Big Truck” has got to be one of the best driving songs of all time, and happens to be my favorite track. Need a pick me up anthem? Try “Stand Up and Fight” on for size. “Dirty Love”, one of the more radio friendly tunes, is also worth checking out (not a cover of the Thunder hit of the same name). Most of the other tracks have plenty of power but not as much melody, but the CD still plays great when listened to in its entirety.

Other notable features about this release include the appearance of Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy) on “Juggernaut” and endorsements from Joe Elliot (Def Leppard) and Dee Snider (Twisted Sister). What more could you ask for?

For more information about Trucker Diablo, click here.