06.01
With Roots above and Branches Below is the third album from The Devil Wears Prada. The first thing that strikes you as you hear the album is that this record seems much more polished, the vocals are well thought out and the use of keyboard effects is much more appropriate.
Opening with “Sassafaras”, an initial onslaught leading to a hardly unique breakdown riff but made more interesting by the use effects to add to the drama. Indeed the use of effects on the album is very good particularly at the start of “Big Wiggly Style”, which features a Rammstein-esque phrase leading into the opening riffs. The standout track is “Danger: Wildman”, which kicks off with a thundering cry of “I know a ghost” and continues with a fast paced, syncopated riff that is bound to be a hit live.
Overall the album shows great progression from the band, along with all their usual trademarks. It is definitely worth purchasing despite the “Christian metalcore” tag. [8]
Words: David Spickett