The Defiled are an Industrial metal band from London. If you bought Januarys Metal Hammer then you will already possess the free version of this album. This Deluxe 2 CD version contains all 10 songs along with reworks of their 2009 5 track EP “1888”, along with 2 videos “Call to Arms” & “The Resurrectionists”.

Simply put The Defiled are a band you need to see live to fully appreciate. In the words of keyboard player The AvD “We have never been a band that would do anything half assed in any way, socially or visually. We are here to entertain you, I mean REALLY entertain you. If one of us doesn’t come off the stage injured in some kind of way, I feel like we have really let the people who have come to see us down” Their shows range from energetic, aggressive and chaotic where no one and nothing is safe; smashed instruments (the keyboard is usually the first to go), band members in the audience and maybe even the odd damaged spectator; to front man Stitch D’s stripped down haunting acoustic versions of “Final Sleep” & “Black Death” Their image sometimes attracts complaints from metal elitists but as the AvD says “Do you listen to music with your eyes?” Stitch’s vocals are powerful and intense. During the verses snarling backup vocals are provided by The AvD but in the choruses Stitch showcases his amazing voice to the full.

Their songs consist of volleys of double drum kicks, with a harmony of edgy guitar riffs, heavy bass & synth. The variety of vocal styles ranges from screaming verses to clean, clear singing in the big, soaring choruses which are full of memorable, dynamic melodies. I would recommend checking out some of their live performances on the web before you buy the album and if you want to listen to one song to get an idea of their sound I would recommend “Call to Arms.” The last track of the CD - “Final Sleep” is my favourite. In complete contrast to the rest of the album it is slower, quieter, sombre and emotional with beautiful vocals.

Metal fans will enjoy the 10 track CD. (Personally I found the drums a bit repetitive) If, like me you are more of an industrial fan you will probably prefer the 2nd CD with the reworked songs from the “1888” EP as there is much more variety in the sound and style of the tracks. They have been given makeovers and been transformed to become more electro industrial.

The Defiled have recently finished a headlining UK tour and if you saw them live I would say it’s essential to buy this album to savour as a reminder of the show.