Pop Evil - War of Angels

Pop Evil’s 2009 debut album, Lipstick on the Mirror, is a tough act to follow. That said, the 2011 delayed release of their new album, War of Angels, is well worth the wait. Hailing from Michigan myself, the name Pop Evil is a heavy-metal staple around these parts. War of Angels should remind hard rock lovers from across the globe just how talented these guys really are.

“Last Man Standing,” the first single off War of Angels, was featured in the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Finals and is destined to be a huge hit. The second single, “Monster You Made Me,” is already a fan favorite and can be found on the band’s Facebook page in a number of fan-made home videos.

This album is somewhat grungier than their first and the band sounds tighter than ever. Pop Evil flexes their musical prowess from Tony Greve’s screaming guitar licks on “Boss’s Daughter,” to a gritty, staccato beat paired with strong lead vocals from frontman, Leigh Kakaty, on “Black and Blue.” “Epitaph” has somewhat of an old-school rock groove to it, akin to older Judas Priest, but will also be intriguing to new listeners.

War of Angels also has some beautiful ballads, sure to be popular sing-along tunes, similar to “100 in a 55” off of the band’s first album. Songs like “Let it Go” and “Purple” showcase the strikingly recognizable voice of Kakaty, as well as the band’s knack for musical storytelling. The harmonies and melodies draw the listener in and leave the chorus stuck in your head for hours. War of Angels is sure to be a captivating album and will give Pop Evil even more material to tantalize their fans with at their live appearances!

~Lynn Curtis