Metal1 review of "Fate is Your Muse" [translated from German] For approximately ten years DEVIL TO PAY have been haunting the stoner rock scene – appreciated by many, though the big hit hasn’t been managed yet. The quartet found a new home at Ripple Music, best known for their stoner colleagues Mos Generator. Studio-record number four “Fate Is Your Muse” is a diversified piece of Heavy Rock. In the limelight there’s the ubiquitous riffing from Rob Hough, who gives it all and always knows how to surprise: at times inspired by Kyuss, as in “Ten Lizardmen”, which comes to the fore with a lot of drive. At times with a grain of Grunge a la Alice in Chains, as in “Wearin You Down”. The song “Yes Master” also sees DEVIL TO PAY merging moments of Seattle Grunge with slow, dragging Black Sabbath-riffs. At times, even singer Steve Janiak reminds of the late Layne Staley, though he – of course - doesn’t reach the latter’s quality. Nevertheless, looking into his yearlong drug problems and rehabs, his performance is more then solid. His rough and melancholy voice matches the overall picture and adds the most to the atmosphere. The record does not offer much variation speedwise, though they suprisingly hit the pedal once: “This Train Won’t Stop” (title tells it all) is a Motörhead style rocker. The chorus makes you think of a county-band gone wild, which is indeed amusing. The rest of the record is streaked by the formentioned influences – but anybody thinking this band is just copying will be proved wrong. Though their heroes always and clearly shine through, the band creates its own atmosphere. The songs differ from each other so much, that it never gets boring while “Fate Is Your Muse” makes its spins. There are no really bad songs on this record, but unfortunately no essential hits either. But throughout it holds a very high level – very solid. Rating: 7.5/10 Editor: Michael H. (profile)