BATTLES scorches and crackles, cementing Charm City Devils, who've been making a rock 'n' roll racket since 2008 and whose original lineup remains in tact to this day, as an in-your-face, modern rock band. But it's not all crashing cymbals and thermonuclear riffs. The album is comprised of equal parts hooks and heart. Onstage is where the band comes to life. They sharpened their live chops by touring with Motley Crue and Godsmack as part of CrueFest 2 and are supremely confident in their abilities and growth as a band. Essentially, they are ready for their next Battles. Singer John Allen, a Baltimore native, admits that he is fueled by the idea of winning battles both big and small. "There are many battles you face in life," he said. "The battle to survive, to get out of your own way, to do the right thing, of good against evil." His favorite battle Converting a musical sceptic, when the stage is effectively the battlefield. "I love it when someone comes up to us after a show and says, 'I thought you were going to suck, but you guys are awesome!' It's like, 'Go ahead. Underestimate me. Discount me. Count me out!,'" he said about the attitude which motivates him to succeed. "I love to prove people wrong and turn them around and win them over, and that's what we do, night after night. Plus, meeting the fans, and introducing that human element, makes it all worth it!" The human element factors into Charm City Devils' music beyond their sizzling live show. Allen, an only child, lost both of his parents in between the recording of Battles and its predecessor SINS. That loss lead to a change in perspective and caused him to get reflective and to evaluate what's important, which manifests in the music. Luckily for him, his bandmates are like brothers and their bond is rock solid