Reviewed by Paul Ewbank

London-based alternative rock/metal band Fightstar return from a six year hiatus with this, their fourth album. Any doubts that ex-Busted star Charlie Simpson can hack it as a heavy rock frontman have long since been banished and even with the notorious pop group's recently announced reunion, Fightstar's music remains as powerful and exhilarating as ever. The album opens spectacularly with the blisteringly heavy riffs of "Sharp Tongue" which hit you with the force and focus of a laser beam, before switching to a softer, more melodic verse and a driving, uplifting chorus. Fightstar's sound has always been difficult to fit into one single genre, but their mix of aggressive, metallic guitar riffs, strong pop melodies and electronic experimentation is extremely potent and the vocal delivery from Simpson and co-lead vocalist Alex Westaway is always passionate and razor sharp. The only weak link is the songwriting, which is a bit forgettable. There are some highlights, like the furiously screamed verses and breakneck riffs of "Sink With The Snakes"; the soaring vocal harmonies and kicking drums on the title track and the pleasingly traditional power-ballad "More Human Than Human". But there are also some which feel like fillers. Lyrically, there is some serious anger being vented but also some insightful references to faith and God's forgiveness. The balancing act between heavy and pop won't appeal to everyone but 'Behind The Devil's Back' still shows a rock band at the top of their game.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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