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Album number three for Evile could be seen as the missing link between Metallica's ...And Justice for All and "the black album". With the glossy production, groove and accessible vocal styling of the latter, as well as the riff mastery of the former; Five Serpen'ts Teeth reeks of Metallica, be it a good or bad thing.

I actually think this is quite a good album, and whilst undoubtedly plagiaristic it has a subtlety brought out through nuances in both the production and guitar work that gives the album an individual feel which separates the band from their Earache peers. I know it might be a little taboo, but in a way I feel Five Serpent's Teeth isn't too far away from what Trivium tried to achieve on their album The Crusade. I do believe Evile have been more successful with their attempt though, and I wouldn't be surprised if this set a trend with some of their peers.

On the music contained within Five Serpent's Teeth I'm sure you already have a vivid picture of the sound in your mind from the opening paragraph. I won't delve too deeply into track analysis, although there are a couple of things that should be mentioned. First, Ol Drakes' lead guitar work, which hands down makes the album. He channels the energy and style of players such as Marty Friedman, Dimebag Darrell, and Kirk Hammet, whilst coming out with a style that I imagine will be very popular amongst bedroom guitarists, and Total Guitar readers. Second is the track "Cult". A lot of people I've spoken to about this album have a problem with the song. It is the most accessible of the offerings; I hear tones of "Leper Messiah" and "Enter Sandman". "Cult" is a big, catchy metal anthem; I expect it will get quite a bit of airplay and rightfully so, it's a good song.

To close, I think Five Serpent's Teeth is a good album, and fits a niche that whilst not the height of originality, is one in need of being fitted. There are going to be a shit load of detractors of this album, but I think for each detractor there will be someone to come along and praise it. I'll be interested to see where the band goes next, and I wouldn't be lying if I were to say I hope to see more songs like "Cult". I think this one is going to be in the eye of the beholder, and in my (purified) eyes this is a good, solid album that gets my recommendation.