Midwestbands.com review of 'thirty pieces' by Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 9/13/04 Musicianship – 8 out of 10 For me, the best part about hearing Devil to Pay is the way that the band functions as a unit. Singer/guitarist Steve Janiak is locked in with guitarist Rob Secrist, who is also locked into bassist Matt Stokes, who plays in lockstep with drummer Chad Prifogle. I think you get the picture! Though the band plays simple riff-driven Metal, it is overwhelmingly powerful because of the band’s unity! DTP’s sound is reminiscent to me of the Power Rock that Black Sabbath is famous for! As I said above, it’s not complicated, but it is infused with the dark feel and sound of overdriven guitars, and the delightfully evil feel that Janiak’s vocals provide! I’ve had a chance to see these guys live, and they sound equally as good live! They’re great musicians, pure and simple. It’s no wonder that they were the 2003 Champions of the Benchmark Battle of the Bands in Indianpolis! Songwriting - 8 out of 10 As I mentioned above, this is Rock and Roll, pure and simple! Steve Janiak is an interesting guy who has a talent for writing songs with hooky riffs and interesting lyrics! If you doubt me, listen to the lyrics for ‘Tractor F’in Trailer’; it is a perfect example of what I’m saying! Seriously, the second time you hear the song, you are able to sing along as you throw your devil sign and bang your head! All of the songs on Thirty Pieces of Silver are like that! Cool rhythm changes and doubled bass/guitar lines also add to the dark power! Sound Quality/Professionalism - 8 out of 10 I get the sense that DTP’s lead man is a very meticulous dude. As such, I don’t think he would settle for anything less than the best! Winning the Benchmark Battle in 2003 has given the band the chance to invest some serious resources in creating a quality album, and it shows! Though the overall sound of the band is dark, the production value never gets muddy. Every part comes through crystal clear. The drums sound especially good, and with the way that the bass and drums play in lockstep, it doubles the power. I’m sincerely impressed, and find myself enjoying this record more and more with each listen! Packaging - 8 out of 10 I know, I’m getting boring with the ratings of 8 on everything! Can’t help it! The total package is just that good! The only thing that this cleverly illustrated CD case/insert is lacking is lyrics. If you look close, though, a link is given to the band’s website, where you can look up the lyrics. I like the art and the concept. Just like the music, it’s really cool! Favorite Tracks Tractor F’in Trailer, The Lamb, Angular Shapes, Toreador Overall Rating - 8 out of 10 I have to admit that I am a bit starstruck with Steve Janiak and Devil to Pay. I’ve had the opportunity to hear him play with DTP and with one of his former bands, The Pub Sigs, and I think he’s the epitome of a cool rock musician! He plays a cool black Gibson SG, has long jet black hair, and Rock and Roll attitude to spare! I dig anything that he’s ever done musically, and admire his ‘Never Say Die’ attitude. Like I said… starstruck! With the successes of last year, the band is not resting on their laurels. They are moving forward, with this new album and many new opportunities! The most recent coolness for the band is a professional quality video for the song ‘Tractor F’in Trailer’ that they are hoping to work into rotation on video music channels like MTV and MTV2. They are striking while the iron is hot, and doing awesome things! If you have a chance to catch DTP live, you won’t regret it! Until you can, get a copy of Thirty Pieces of Silver and crank it up to 11! In no time, you’ll be hopelessly lost, mesmerized by the dark power that is Devil to Pay! *Listen to Devil To Pay on MWB Radio!