Vicious Rumors | The Devil's Asylum | Steamhammer/SPV

Release Date: August 29, 2025
Format: CD/LP
Genre: Heavy Metal, Power Metal
Country: US

Vicious Rumors has been hammering away at American metal since the late seventies, always moving forward with grit and a workman mindset. Their history is marked by constant touring, legendary albums that defined US power metal with Carl Albert (R.I.P.) on vocals, shifting lineups and a stubborn refusal to slow down. With “The Devil’s Asylum,” the band enters a new era, bringing in vocalist Chalice, who steps into the frontman role with steady command and a raw tone that suits the band’s rugged heavy and power metal roots.

“The Devil’s Asylum” comes across like a band that knows its territory and charges through it with gusto. The mix of heavy metal and power metal is immediate, muscular and built on tight riffing that never loses its bite. The rhythm section strikes with firm energy, giving the guitars all the space they need to throw punches. Chalice delivers his vocals in a rough edged and intense way, blending well with the classic Vicious Rumors approach without watering anything down. The album is straight to the point, loud and built for headbanging.

Tracks such as “Crack The Sky In Half,” “Dogs Of War” and “High Hell Hammer” underline the band’s instinct for metallic adrenaline. The guitar team goes full sprint, keeping the pace high and the attack constant. The darker and more snarling side of the band shows up in songs like “Boring Day In Hell” and the title track “The Devil’s Asylum,” where the riffs twist harder and the atmosphere tightens. The production keeps everything punchy and rugged, giving the album a raw edge without turning things muddy.

As a complete release, the album sits comfortably among the band’s later era work. It has enough firepower to satisfy long-time followers and enough bite to catch the ears of newer listeners. The songwriting stays focused, moving with energy and attitude. Nothing drags, nothing drops off, the whole thing pushes forward with determination. “The Devil’s Asylum” stands as a strong entry in the band’s catalogue, driven by sharp performances and unfiltered heaviness.

Score: 8.0