Often known as “the protective stone”, Hematite is also the name of a new duo from the USA. Vocalist Davey Muise (Vanna, Trove) and guitarist/vocalist Andrew Gaultier (Big 50, To Speak Of Wolves, He is Legend) are the musicians in question and their new EP, Speak of the Devil combines their rock and metal past with many a twist and turn along the way.
The recent single, ‘Adios’ is a case in point – it has weight, melody, and rock with bits of country and would soundtrack a modern western perfectly and importantly it works very well. Next up is ‘Go West’ (not that one) which is a spacey many-layered song approaching prog with some clever acoustic guitar work. ‘Run Devil Run’ is another acoustic-based rock song with a poppy edge that belies its complexity. ‘Switchblade’ is more country and western but with added weight that is surprisingly effective and that Kink-y intro is genius. The final track ‘The Wolf’ starts with an edge of familiar acoustic riffing but the song is a whispered, gothic masterpiece of not-heavy-rock that isn’t soft rock!
It’s subtle, crafted rock that defies pigeon-holing and has so many layers to unpeel and has a lot to reward the discerning ear.
Speak of The Devil is out on 31st March.
 and...){kind=link}