Before Rammstein and Static-X ever achieved mainstream success in the United States, the Hunger made a living by combining heavy metal riffs with club dance beats. Their first major label release,
Devil Thumbs a Ride, has a signature sound several years ahead of its time. Although more metal than dance, the album has elements of both genres that create intriguing blends of electronic and human influences. Building around the album's first single, "Vanishing Cream,"
Devil Thumbs a Ride is capable of pounding its way into your head, but you will also catch yourself tapping your feet to its catchy synthesized beats. While the Hunger may not be the founders of the dance metal movement, they certainly tried their hands at it well before the genre became popular. And they did a pretty good job of it, too. From beginning to end,
Devil Thumbs a Ride is a solid collection of consistently good hard rock songs with just a hint of electronica to sweeten the pot. ~ David Reamer