Artist: Deveria
Label: Animated Insanity Records
UPC: 843563198070
Genre: Power Metal
Release Date: 10/31/2025

IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP!

REVIEW BY DAVID LAMAY:
When I first encountered the Albany area-based Deveria opening for Flotsam And Jetsam back in 2019, I could tell that they were in a bit of turmoil. With inklings of movement in a heavier direction, no permanent bassist, and a guitar player that quite honestly wasn't up to scratch/not nearly as dedicated when compared to rest of the band, something would have to give. And thankfully.... it did.

Though it would take a bit of time, once the changes started taking place, they came fast and furious. They not only parted ways with their substandard guitarist, singer Charles "Chuck" Woodard and drummer John Suski then brought in high-caliber musicians in the form(s) of bassist Marvin Veeder and six-stringer Christian Bivona. This line-up then recorded the band's first full album, "Suicide Forest" in 2021, which sported a considerably heavier, more cohesive, far less progressive sound and mentality than before. It's a very good American power metal release from a band getting comfortable with a lot of new circumstances. But, the band still wasn't done pushing into new territory, and something even more powerful was somewhere over the horizon.This now brings me to 2025, and the main reason for writing this, Deveria's second and latest offering, "The Final Hour", for which I have nothing but high praise.This time around, things have gotten even faster and heavier, changing the focus from power metal to old-school melodic thrash, though the former is still in the mix enough to leave its mark. The progressive element? Well, that's gone, and the band is actually all the better for it. Speaking of betterment, I'd be remiss in not mentioning the beefier sound courtesy of adding a second guitarist. Former Enertia/Within The Fire shred demon Roman Singleton brings not only his chops to the fold, but I daresay some of that extra crunch that made its way onto this new recording comes from his presence and background as well.

So now, what exactly does "The Final Hour" sound like? Well, if you dig classic thrashers like Testament, Overkill, Death Angel, and the like, then you should have no problem settling into listening to this record any more than your favorite recliner. That said, what gives Deveria its own identity amongst such comparisons is Woodard's melodic vocal approach, and more versatility in the song's tempos and structures. All it should take is one spin of "When Darkness Falls", and you'll know everything you need to.In closing, the bottom line is that this is a wicked 10-track collection that metal fans should get well-acquainted with. Find It. Buy it.