One of the most discussed bands on the Hard Rock scene over the last couple years would have to be Eva Under Fire. Out of Detroit, Michigan, and together since 2015, the band have certainly made a name for themselves after sending a demo to Better Noise Music a few years back which actually got them signed. Joining a lineup of bands that includes Papa Roach, Bad Wolves, Nothing More, among others, Eva Under Fire hit the road in 2021 with the likes of Skillet and Adelitas Way. Then, in September of 2022 they released their long-awaited debut album Love, Drugs & Misery.
Highly successful, the album features tracks such as “Coming for Blood” with Matt Brandyberry of From Ashes To New, chart topper “Blow” with Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, “Comatose” with Jonathan Dörr known from Ego Kill Talent, “Unstoppable,” “Heroine,” but also interesting cover tracks, including U2’s “With or Without You.” Now nearly a year to the date, Better Noise Music repackage that album as a loaded deluxe edition. Released on September 23, 2023, the deluxe edition of Love, Drugs & Misery features a total of 26 tracks whereas the standard release had 12. A lot of music to consume, what you get is a 2023 mix of the band’s 2018 track “I Will Fight,” some remixes of prior album tracks, but also alternative takes, the newer song “Devil in Disguise,” plus some additional compelling covers.
This in mind, those who heard the standard edition of the album, know what it offers is a diverse mix of Hard Rock, Alternative Metal heaviness, all with some Pop undertones. Very fresh for the modern Hard Rock scene, what really stands out are ballad-like tracks like “Stronger,” “Death of Me,” and the emotional “Ghost.” All glimpses of a band whose music is rooted in a deeper textured Rock-n-roll sound; the aforementioned discussed songs are also great examples of lead singer Amanda “Eva Marie” Lyberg’s vocal talents. At times reminiscent of Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale, Eva Marie really stands on her own, and it will be exciting to see where her and Eva Under Fire grow from here.
These factors all put into consideration, the recently released deluxe edition of Love, Drugs & Misery sells it self largely on the band’s cover of Duran Duran’s “Come Undone,” Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” but also the new recording of “Give Me A Reason” with Cory Marks joining in. Furthermore, the newest original, “Devil in Disguise,” showcases a band headed in the right direction artistically. Although, the absolute standout on this new edition of Love Drugs & Misery is hands down Eva Under Fire’s rendition of Journey’s “Separate Ways” which was originally only available on the Blow EP from early 2022. In enough words, it is a must listen, capturing the emotion of the original song rather flawlessly.
With 2023 now coming to a close it seems like big things continue to be emerging for Eva Under Fire. With tour dates scheduled between now and the end of the year, who knows what 2024 will bring. However, with this epic deluxe edition of Love, Drugs & Misery swirling around, it can only go upward for this band. That is why Cryptic Rock gives the deluxe edition of Eva Under Fire’s Love, Drugs & Misery 4 out of 5 stars.
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