After lending their respective talents to
Diamond Dave and a world tour in support of that disc, the men in
the Hideous Sun Demons step out from behind the shadows of
David Lee Roth to deliver a scorching instrumental effort. Launched by the funk-fortified rocker, "Elevation,"
the Demons exhibit tremendous prowess and notable depth. Just check the bluesy workout "Rain," with the fiery fretwork of Toshi Hiketa rivaling another former
Roth collaborator,
Steve Vai. The inventive, jazzy feel of "Osaka Funk" and the frantic rhythmic pace of "Mosquito" both affirm the chops bassist James LoMenzo and drummer Ray Luzier behold. If the band's lone acoustic attempt, "Demon's Blues," feels a little aimless, the crushing ferocity of "Brainwashed" is the peak of a remarkable instrumental rock album. ~ John D. Luerssen