American band Pop Evil have been the definition of persistence in the modern Rock era. With origins dating back over two decades, the members of Pop Evil took their lumps at local shows around Michigan for some time before any real exposure. Years of struggle would finally lead them to getting signed in 2007, resulting in the release of their debut full-length, Lipstick on the Mirror, in 2008. The first taste of real success, their single “Hero” would find its way to the top 25 at Active Rock radio.
From here, 2009 would be an even bigger year, with “100 in a 55” peaked on the Active Rock charts at No. 8; thus making it one of the longest standing singles at Active Rock of the year. This would snowball into touring in support of the likes of Whitesnake and Judas Priest, making Pop Evil a name people were starting to recognize. Naturally they were riding high, and 2011’s follow up record War of Angels took them even higher up on the mountain.
Seeming like Pop Evil had finally made it to where they wanted to be, they clearly wanted more, and with each new album pushed the limits of their sound and style. This is evident with 2013’s Oynx, 2015’s Up, 2018’s self-titled, and 2021’s Versatile. Each an album offering something different, the band once again looked to surprise listeners with the release of Skeletons in 2023.
An album preceded by two big radio hits – “Eye of the Storm” and “Paranoid (Crash & Burn)” – it appeared Pop Evil had completed another stylistic transformation. Singles that were both quite different, the band then released “Dead Reckoning” in January of 2023, out blew everyone out of the water with one of their heaviest songs to date. A track featuring Fit For A King, it left many wondering what to expect from the remainder of Skeletons. Finally, Skeletons emerged on March 17th through MNRK Music Group… and it immediately rattled fan’s cages.
Consisting of eleven tracks in total, right off the bat it must be said that Skeletons is furious. What this means is that it contains Pop Evil’s signature stadium sing-along choruses, but a new range of heaviest that the band has not shown before. Furthermore, amidst this new found heaviness, there are subtle textures such as keyboards and electronic tones that add another layer to Pop Evil’s sound.
Led by Vocalist Leigh Kakaty and Guitarist Dave Grahs, longtime Guitarist Nick Fuelling, plus Drummer Hayley Cramer are joined by newest member, Bassist Joey “Chicago” Walser (Devour the Day & Egypt Central). A dynamic lineup, and clearly firing on all cylinders, together they create an album that puts Pop Evil more within a Modern Metal sphere than ever before.
This is clear with songs like “Circles,” “Who Will We Become,” and “Wrong Direction” (which features Blake Allison of Devour the Day). However, in-between all of this, Pop Evil still offer some more Hard Rock driven vibes on the title-track and “Worth It”; both which will surely satisfy a certain portion of their fanbase. And then there are more difficult to describe cuts, mixing modern Pop and Hip Hop in the form of “Sound of Glory,” as well as “Raging Bull” (featuring ZILLION).
When it is all said and done Pop Evil appears to be hell bent on never resting on their laurels. Perhaps this is a product of their formative years when they realized in order to survive… they would need to keep moving forward. Whatever it may be, it is clearly a result of their determination to push themselves to the limits. Inspiring to see, it reminds us that much like the message behind Pop Evil’s music, that if we do not believe in ourselves, cultivate positivity, and continue to move forward, then we only have ourselves to blame. Hands down one of the most eye-opening Pop Evil albums to date, Cryptic Rock gives Skeletons 4 out of 5 stars.
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