EP REVIEW: Victims of the Night / Drifting Away – Orphan Devil

Finnish metallers ORPHAN DEVIL have released their debut two-song EP through Gates of Hell Records, with an old school sound which blends classic and speed metal. Initially formed in 2016 and named after the obscure Swedish band SHAKESPEARE, vocalist Perttu joined the band in early 2019 and completed the lineup. The two tracks were put together by the guitar tandem of Sakke and Kristo with bassist Sampo and drummer Late adding their ideas afterwards.

Victims of the Night kicks off with a fairly slow intro which builds up into an old school style riff that wouldn’t be out of place in an 80s New Wave of British Heavy Metal track. ORPHAN DEVIL have all the energy of a speed metal band but create a more melodic sound through the vocals from Perttu. The IRON MAIDEN influence is clear here, with a sound that resembles the punky style of early records like Killers. 

Victims of the Night / Drifting Away by Orphan Devil

Drifting Away is certainly the strongest of the two tracks, opening with a solid catchy riff to hook you right from the start. With a musical style that nods towards ANGEL WITCH and TOKYO BLADE, lyrical themes touch on life and death, providing a melancholy feel but with a glimpse of hope. The production on these tracks is very raw, something which can sometimes work well for an old school band, but the weakest link for ORPHAN DEVIL‘s sound are the vocals which can be imperfect at times. The potential is certainly there, however, and this may well be something that is refined and improved as the band grow in the future. 

If you like your metal old school and are a fan of a good old fashioned throwback to the glory times of NWOBHM, this just might whet your appetite for ORPHAN DEVIL. Keep an eye on these guys and see what they do next.

Rating: 7/10

Victims of the Night / Drifting Away is set for release on February 21st via Gates of Hell Records.

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