Search - Will Haven :: El Diablo

Angelic Devils and Will HAven's support for the oxymoron

Andy Gill | Dorset, England | 08/24/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"'El Diablo' is a hard one for me. I love it and I hate it, because it's really good and at the same time really naff; it's really samey, even though every song is really different; it's really depressing and really elevating; it's really hauntingly catchy, though you really can't remember what he sings and it's really damned heavy, without being heavy at all. So, as you can probably guess, this album must be unique because it's so bizarre. I first heard them when they were supporting the Deftones on their UK tour, and it's an album I come back to about once a month to puzzle over, after its first three immobile months in my stereo. I can't honestly say that I like it, but there's something there that keeps pulling me back which makes me think that perhaps I do like it. Kerrang's review said that this album was as influential as KoRn's debut, and though it obviously hasn't inspired a number of rip-off bands, it is exceptionally influential in that they have carved a sound all of their own (I'm told that their main influence is Neurosis, but having never heard any Neurosis I can't really comment). So let's get down to the nitty-gritty.The music on this album is (I am once again reliably told) is hardcore, but more in the Earth Crisis sense than the Biohazard Brooklyn type. Vocally similar to EC, but with more depth and power, the words scream from the speakers with enough pent-up rage and gravel to make Chino Moreno sound like Cradle of Filth on a bad day. And musically...well, all I can say is it's guitar, bass and drum-driven grinding riffs hidden behind echoey experimental ringing chords, flanger effects, reverb, chorus, and all manner of odd sounds. The music is heavy, but the dreamy, surreal quality over the top makes it much more emotional than a lot of other 'heavy' bands. All four members of Will Haven meld their respective parts together exceptionally well, of particular note in the opening song 'Stick Up Kid': it starts with some weird, spooky guitar sounds, then the drums kick in with a nastily-catchy beat, then the growling bass picks it up, and finally the heavy guitar and vocals breaks in simultaneously. And on the most famous (at least over here in the UK) track from the album, 'I've Seen My Fate', they perfect their violent sound. Even slower songs like 'French Film' are blisteringly brutal, and yet beautiful in their own light. It is an album which sounds the same the whole way through, even though every song has its own inner charm. So it's boringly interesting, if that's possible, which is why I can't decide whether I like it or not.So here's my evaluation of this album...it's difficult to classify, difficult to make concrete decision about, and it's either awesomely good or awesomely bad. I gave it four stars because there is definitely something about this album which is utterly great, even if that greatness is merely in trying to work out what about it is great. And it's certainly worth owning for the final track, fifteen minutes of odd sounds that, if you're tired, makes you hallucinate something chronic. Maybe I'm interested in this band because I bought a T-shirt off the singer when they played Portsmouth in support of Tura Satana, and he seemed a really cool guy. Maybe it's because they rock. Whatever, one word that sums this album up is 'interesting.' I would recommend this to any serious rock/metal fans, because if you've never heard it, you've never been confused..."

One of the best records I have ever heard

Andy Gill | 03/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Neurosis...Deadguy...Refused...all similar...but nothing even comes close to this band. This is one of the single most catchy, powerful, driving hardcore/metal bands in the history of hardcore/metal bands. Especially recommended for fans of the afore mentioned bands. Will Haven is amazing. Don't just check them out if you like Far or the Deftones, check them out because they're the best band on the earth! This album kicks. There is no other way to put it."

Crown Them They Are Godlike

godhatesacoward | Singapore | 07/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Will Haven's debut Full-length.
I don't really agree with the 'hardcore' term thrust onto them, Will Haven have their own little genre. Yes, it's all screaming, but the point is it's fantastic screaming. Grady has some of the most distinct vocals and lyrics i've ever heard. These guys are talented and creative, which is why it's such a shame they had to break up.Key Tracks: Stick Up Kid
I've seen my Fate
Mason
Foreign FilmA great album, but it doesn't quite match up to WHVN (their best work) or Carpe Diem. If you like anything they've done, you should buy all 3 albums. I did, and i wasn't disappointed."