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Joseph Tholl: Devil's Drum
Joseph Tholl - Devil's Drum Music Review

Joseph Tholl: Devil's Drum

Melodic Hard Rock
4.0/5.0

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High Roller Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 16.10.2019 | Released: 18.10.2019

So you say you never heard of Joseph Tholl. He was the long time guitarist for Swedish traditional heavy speed metal band, Enforcer. He's a member of Black Trip which transformed into Vojd, another classic heavy metal band (you probably never heard of; I didn't). Addtionallly, Tholl is a touring member of Robert Pehrsson's Humbucker. Now, with some spare time on his hands, songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Joseph Tholl found time to cut his very first solo album, Devil's Drum.

Joseph Tholl - Click For Larger Image

Joseph Tholl

If you're thinking more traditional heavy metal from Tholl, you would be off course. Devil's Drum is essentially a hard rock album with some Seventies heavy rock and pysch rock nuances, perhaps. Notable at the forefront of every song is Tholl's voice, strong and clear, and his guitar, with brisk riffs and solid solos. He's also an exceptional songwriter having a penchant for melody, rock rhythm and groove, and some catchy hooks in arrangements and refrains. As I listened, I was often reminded of Hellacopters or Imperial State Electric. But mostly, I would simply call Tholl's music guitar rock n roll.

Considering some of the tunes, you'll find some guitar riff rockers with Black Birds, In Eternal Rest, and It's Just Rock And Roll. For some variety They Fell From The Sky develops from light piano into a very catchy rock tune with sweet rhythm and groove, a fine refrain, and a powerful Tholl guitar solo. Piano also leads Follow The Fire while the song is moved by rhythmic bass and drums and a surging guitar line. For something completely different, I'm The Machine is stripped down to basically Tholl's voice and guitar. Alternatively, the closing Through Endless Skies, moves with simple, slow heavy rock steadiness. All said, Devil's Drum is a fine showcase from Joseph Tholl's creative songwriting and talented musicianship. Well done, and recommended.


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The Bottom Line

Devil's Drum is a fine showcase from Joseph Tholl's creative songwriting and talented musicianship. Well done, and recommended.

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