When one thinks of Christian music, one usually does not picture scream/metal/hardcore to be a part of that genre. Well, meet The Devil Wears Prada from Dayton, Ohio. They have a firm belief in God that they hold true to themselves but get up in stage every show and scream their hearts out to the content of all the fans, without passing on their judgement or beliefs. In a recent show, they stated their firm beliefs but at the same time, told every person there to "be who they wanted to be, and believe in what they wanted to believe". The band consists of Mike Hranica (vocals), James Baney (keyboards/synth), Jeremy DePoyster (Guitar/vocals), Chris Rubey (guitar), Andy Trick (bass), and Daniel Williams (drums). The band self-releaed an EP in 2005 titled "Patterns of a Horizon" before they were signed to Rise Records and releasing in 2006 their first full length album titled "Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord". Their second full length "Plagues" was released in 2007 and features the guest vocals of Craig Owens of Chiodos. The band does have a strong following and has said that their name does indeed come from the book of the same name (just for all of you curious people). Mike Hranica has his own clothing line, ShipShape Clothing, which in a post on the MySpace he stated that he wanted to portray something optimistic in all the blackness.

The band will be appearing on all the Warped Tour dates this summer and are worth checking out if you haven't already heard them. They are currently setting up to start a North American tour on April 9th, in which they will be touring with Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, White Chapel, Once Nothing and Gwen Stacy. Personally, I believe that these groups of guys are extremely down to earth and really hard workers (as are most bands, I'm sure, however, sometimes you can just sense the hunger). The last time that they were in Toronto on tour with Silverstein, I can remember Mike actually handing out free merch to the front of the line (which was of course me and my girls). If you haven't already, and you enjoy scream, you should pick up their most recent album, Plagues, which they do sell at their show for five bucks, you will not be disappointed in any way. My favourite track on the album with have to be: "Don't Dink and Drance".

My first run-in with The Devil Wears Prada was when Mike was poking around in the band trailer and came up to the line and offered us free merch. And that was awesome (although I missed the chance to get a hoodie because I told MIke to give it to a dude standing in line with a T-shirt on, and that same dude preceded to hand it straight off to a chick behind him. And it was a hot hoodie! A little ticked on that, but oh well...). Anyway, when we got inside and they did their performance thing, I was blown away. I have never seen a crowd react that well to an opening band, and I don't think I've ever been as impressed by an opening band as I was that night. I went straight to their merch booth after their set and picked up the CD. Seriously, they're that good, guys. Their songs are catchy, faced paced and loud. What more can you ask for when all you want to do is get lost in a pit? The Devil Wears Prada is awesome.

Ok guys, another confession to make. Remember last month when I said that I didn't know Silverstein because I live in the middle of nowhere? Well, I also didn't know The Devil Wears Prada's music either until this week. Heard of them before, but alas had not listened to their music. Once I did hear the music I was put off initially. Why? Because I'm not usually into bands who scream most of the lyrics. However! The Devil Wears Prada is the exception to my usual dislike of such music.

As soon as I heard their stuff, I immediately downlaoded it, and put it on my iPod (the Dread Pirate Roberts), that lives in my car. I then went on a little drive, heading in the direction of "downtown" where the old/tourist congregate, and wander in the street like herds of cows crazing on overpriced knick-knacks. So I spent a good half an hour, cruising around the "downtown" block, with the windows down, blasting The Devil Wears Prada the entire time. Oh, the effect of this were glorious. Parents shielded children from the "devil music", the old hobbled in the opposite direction, and those poor souls who had to cater to these maniacs gave me the universal "good job" look and handsigns. It was a good, soothing afternoon.

So, in summary: The Devil Wears Prada the band is much better than the movie, and if you want to annoy some self-righteous, dead in the eyes tourists, this is the band to blast from the open windows of a moving vehicle.

I've been a The Devil Wears Prada fan for a few years now: I would regale you with an anecdote of a glorious show I've seen, or an amazing concert moment, but the truth be told: the one time that I did get to see them in concert, I thrashed so hard that I physically lost memories of my childhood. Spinal chord be damned! I do quite remember laying in bed the next day, wishing that perhaps I had toned it down a bit, but these boys are so in-your-face rocking the shit out of the crowd that you just can't help yourself. They are an amazing band, perfect for those times when you just need to kick the ever-loving shit out of something, or whiplash yourself into oblivion.

I'm not going to lie. I honestly had never heard of The Devil Wears Prada until I found out that they would be opening for the Silverstein show I was going to. So I decided to check them out. I was very impressed with what I heard! And at their live show, I was impressed once again. Their set was excellent!

Now only are these guys a great band, but they are great people as well. Some of us had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the guys while we waited in line. I think a huge "THANK YOU" is in order for Mike! It was Feb. 8 and absolutely freezing outside, and this wonderful guy came out and gave us free TDWP merch! I love the sweater guys, but extra socks would have been just as fantastic! Thanks again!

Check out The Devil Wears Prada. They are like nice warm dry socks after you've been standing in a puddle for hours.