Unholy

The continued tongue-in-cheek references to so many classic and pop-metal evildoers is an Electric Hellfire Club tradition and possibly a clue as to the group's actual commitment to satanic service. As with similarly reverent treatments of Kiss' "Calling Dr. Love" and Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast," Unholy Roller's Mötley Crüe tribute, "Shout at the Devil," perhaps signifies an appreciation of their musical predecessor's exploitation of -- rather than any spiritual alignment with -- devilish messages. Besides a few quirky new tracks like "Shout at the Devil," Unholy Roller is primarily a remix collection featuring tracks from the band's previous two full-lengths. Calling Dr. Luv's "Prince of Darkness" gets four treatments, each of which compare nicely to the original. Of the first three (very similar) versions, the "Laughing All the Way Remix" employs the most danceable techno/house groove. A good primer for new listeners, Unholy Roller is a solid musical offering from Electric Hellfire Club. ~ Vincent Jeffries|