Lynch Mob – ‘Dancing With The Devil’

(Frontiers Music)

More than three decades into their career, Lynch Mob returns with Dancing With The Devil an album that feels surprisingly energized, confident, and purposeful. While George Lynch has spent the past decade exploring nearly every hard rock and blues rock avenue imaginable, this release finds him circling back to a sound rooted in the classic Lynch Mob identity, groovy riffs, smoky vocals, moody atmospheres and an ever-present melodic flair. What’s genuinely impressive is how cohesive the album feels from front to back. Rather than simply revisiting past glories Dancing With The Devil presents a band fully engaged in the present, crafting songs that feel inspired, modern, and distinctly their own.

The album opens with the title track ‘Dancing With The Devil’ a brooding rocker built on a slithering riff and a simmering rhythmic pulse. It’s not a bombastic opener, if anything it’s controlled and ominous, letting tension do the heavy lifting. That approach pays off. The chorus lands with emotional weight and Lynch’s lead work feels thoughtful, injecting character without overwhelming the song. It’s a clear sign that this album is going to prioritize vibe and storytelling as much as guitar heroics.

‘Pictures Of The Dead’ follows with a more urgent, hard-edged attack. The verses build momentum before launching into a hook that ranks among the album’s most immediate. There’s an old school Lynch Mob flavour here, melodic but gritty, polished but not slick. The guitar work has a wiry energy that gives the track real bite. It’s one of the moments where you can hear the band firing on all cylinders.

‘Saints And Sinners’ is where the album starts to show its swagger. With a blues rock bounce and a riff that struts rather than sprints, the song leans into the band’s sleazier, dirtier side. The vocals dig deep into this vibe, delivering a confident, gritty performance. The chorus blends melody with attitude, something Lynch Mob has always excelled at when they’re at their best.

‘Lift Up Your Soul’ shifts gears into something more uplifting. Without drifting into ballad territory, the song brings a warmer, more inspirational streak to the record. The hook is bright and earnest, and Lynch’s soloing is expressive rather than flamboyant, fitting the song’s message perfectly. It’s a welcome dose of optimism that adds dimension to the album’s pacing.

Things turn darker again with ‘Love In Denial’ one of the album’s most emotionally charged tracks. Built on a tense arrangement and atmospheric guitar textures, the verses feel introspective and wounded. The chorus swells into something cathartic and the whole track exudes drama without ever sounding overwrought. The production shines here every instrument feels close, intimate, and meaningful.

Then comes ‘Machine Bone’ easily the heaviest and most modern-sounding track on the record. The groove is tight, the riff has a mechanical stomp, and the vocals ride the rhythm with a hypnotic cadence. It’s aggressive but not chaotic, intense without sacrificing clarity. Lynch’s guitar tone is crushing, and the solo section offers one of the album’s fiercest moments. It’s a standout for listeners who prefer Lynch Mob at their most muscular.

‘Follow Me Down’ pulls things back into bluesy territory. The riff slithers with swamp rock tension, and the mood is thick enough to cut with a knife. The chorus, however, opens up beautifully, offering a melodic release that contrasts the brooding verses. This dynamic interplay makes it one of the record’s most atmospheric and cinematic cuts.

With ‘Golden Mirror’ the band reintroduces a brighter more melodic rock energy. There’s a nostalgic shine in the chorus, a sort of golden hour glow that feels big without resorting to clichés. The layered guitars give the track a lush feel, and the rhythm section provides a steady, uplifting backbone. It’s the kind of song that fans of the band’s more melodic side will gravitate toward immediately.

‘Sea Of Stones’ dives into emotional weight again, delivering a haunting mid-tempo performance with a beautifully crafted chorus. There’s a sense of heaviness, not in volume, but in tone and subject matter. Lynch’s lead work is full of longing and subtlety, weaving around the vocals rather than dominating them. It’s one of the album’s hidden gems.

The penultimate track ‘The Stranger’ ramps up the intensity once more. Dark, tense, and built on a creeping riff, it has a sinister atmosphere that sets it apart. The chorus hits hard, and the bridge opens into one of the album’s standout solos, fiery, expressive and unmistakably Lynch.

The album closes with ‘Somewhere’ a reflective, emotionally resonant track that trades bombast for vulnerability. It’s a thoughtful closer, offering a sense of conclusion rather than seeking a final adrenaline rush. Lynch’s guitar phrasing here is particularly beautiful, warm, melodic and full of heart.

Dancing With The Devil isn’t a nostalgic victory lap, it’s a well-crafted, emotionally rich hard rock album from a band that still has something to say. The songwriting is focused, the performances are inspired, and Lynch’s guitar work remains both distinctive and evolving. This is a late career highlight that proves Lynch Mob can still deliver compelling, meaningful records without chasing trends or recycling the past.

In short, it’s a strong, cohesive album that deserves to sit proudly in the band’s catalogue. Rock fans who crave musicianship with personality will find plenty to sink their teeth into. Lynch Mob isn’t just dancing with the devil they’re dancing like they own the floor.

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Dancing With The Devil’

Review By Woody