Upper Lip Present 'Devil's Ride' as Their Second Studio Album

Hard rock band Upper Lip return with their second studio album “Devil’s Ride”, an eight-track release that follows their debut “Deep Within” and reflects a shift toward a darker and more developed sound.

Produced by David Vella, who also worked on the band’s first album, “Devil’s Ride” was recorded at Temple Studios in Mistra, capturing a more intense and focused direction in the band’s songwriting and overall approach.

The album explores themes of betrayal, internal conflict, and the tension between opposing forces, while also presenting a message centered on resilience and unity.

Musically, the record draws from a range of influences associated with classic rock, including the blues-driven approach of Rory Gallagher, the acoustic textures linked to Bert Jansch, and the riff-based style of Jimmy Page, alongside references to bands such as Guns N’ Roses and The Who.

One of the tracks, “The Castle”, moves into heavier territory, incorporating elements associated with traditional heavy metal and darker tonal structures.

All music and lyrics on the album were written by Joseph Azzopardi, while the vocal performance is delivered by Christopher Portelli, whose style reflects classic rock influences. The rhythm section features Marcel Paul Grima on bass and Sami Karpinnen on drums, the latter known for his work with Therion and collaborations with Opeth.

The album artwork, created by Peter Magro, presents a visual concept aligned with the record’s themes, depicting symbolic imagery connected to the idea of choice and direction.

TRACKLIST — “DEVIL’S RIDE”
Blood of Rock n' Roll
Charlie Plays Harmonica
Another Kiss
Goddess of the Sun
Won't You Listen
The Duel
The Castle
Going Nowhere

Through “Devil’s Ride,” Upper Lip continue developing their sound following their debut, presenting a second album shaped by classic rock influences and a more defined musical direction.

Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist

Watch “Blood of Rock n' Roll” below: