This past Saturday, The Chance Theater, in Poughkeepsie, NY, played host to a coming out of sorts. It was the CD release party for Stone Devil Hill. The band has been seeking to make an impact on the upstate New York rock and metal scene for a little while now, and with CD in hand, they're prepared to make their move. So be on the lookout for this latest entry to the scene, you aren't likely to be disappointed.

I arrived at The Chance around 10:30. Hyngd was just finishing up their set, and after hearing what I heard, I am sorry that I missed the rest of it as they sounded really good. This is another local act that has been improving by leaps and bounds, definitely keep an eye on them. Anyway, the curtain was lowered and the stage was redressed for the inaugural Stone Devil Hill headlining event. The band plays a brand of straight up hard rock that is hardly groundbreaking, but they back it up with a good sound and a lot of energy. This is a band that is one to watch, the sound is accessible and stands on its own, the sky is the limit.

Stone Devil Hill took the stage at 11:00pm and proceeded to play their entire debut release ..for the fallen, with a surprise or two. I had listened to them in an earlier incarnation, called 8 x 10, that lineup delivered a rock sound that was very much in the same vein as latter day Metallica, they were good, the music was solid, but it was hardly the sound that was going to take them anywhere. This revamped lineup finds them with a new singer, formerly of the band Pillowface, and a new guitar player, a veteran of more death metal stylings. Their influences combined with the remaining members has forged ahead, stepping away from the Metallica sounds and into more original territory.

The mix was strong, and all five members were playing as tight as they could, impressive considering that four of them have been battling the flu. Lead singer, Donovan Cavallaro, was sounding great, he was in constant motion, roaming the stage and inciting the crowd to get pumped. Guitarist/vocalist EJ Krebs has definitely grown as a player, now focusing more on his guitar than when he was also lead vocalist for 8 x 10, tearing off some nice solos while also harmonizing well with Donovan. Newcomer Steve Hanson, also on guitar, showed off his skills with soloing, as well as his influence with some of the thrashier elements of their growing sound. Steve Williams lays down the bass groove, also showing growth since the 8 x 10 days, playing some more complex lines and being a more present force. Dan Melious backs them with his maniacal pounding, an emotional and furious drum basher, he delivers the rhythmic energy that forms the backbone of the band.