The Devil You Know
Heaven & Hell · 2009
54 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal
A thunderous return to form, blending dark lyrical themes with powerful riffs and a haunting vocal presence.
Top tracks — play these first
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Bible Black — This track stands out with its epic storytelling and dynamic shifts in tempo, encapsulating the band's signature sound while exploring darker themes.
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Atom and Evil — Opening the album with a fierce energy, this song combines heavy riffs with thought-provoking lyrics that set the tone for the entire record.
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Fear — With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics about inner turmoil, this track showcases Dio's emotional delivery and the band’s ability to blend heaviness with depth.
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Breaking Into Heaven — Closing the album, this track features intricate guitar solos and a climactic build-up that reflects both personal struggle and hope, leaving a lasting impression.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and musicianship, with effective pacing and memorable riffs.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate tempo changes, such as 'Bible Black,' which shifts from a slow, brooding intro to an aggressive chorus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- dark thematic exploration
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Devil You Know marked Heaven & Hell's first studio album since reuniting in 2006, featuring the iconic lineup of Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice. This album followed their successful live release, Live from Radio City Music Hall, and solidified their status within the heavy metal genre after decades of individual success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Black Sabbath· Judas Priest· Iron Maiden
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Atom and Evil 5:13
- 2 Fear 4:46
- 3 Bible Black 6:26
- 4 Double the Pain 5:23
- 5 Rock and Roll Angel 6:02
- 6 The Turn of the Screw 5:00
- 7 Eating the Cannibals 3:35
- 8 Follow the Tears 6:09
- 9 Neverwhere 4:32
- 10 Breaking Into Heaven 6:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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