REVIEW: Des Rocs - To Hell and Back
- Theviya R Karunaharan
- 42 minutes ago
- 3 min read
As music continues to revive beloved genres from decades past, the return of a full-blooded rock ’n’ roll record felt inevitable. DES ROCS has always embraced the grit and fearlessness that comes with owning rock. When all hope has dissipated and you are longing for resilience, To Hell and Back invites a play-through. Launching the third album, containing 11 tracks, listeners are guided through a journey of self discovery and Danny Rocco's artistic expression. Each song takes another step into the darkness. Each track guides the listener into healing and self discovery, to break free with the concluding track. This is the literal journey of going to hell and back.
From the moment the album opens, DES ROCS creates certainty that the listeners are in for a ride. Beginning with a theatrical prologue that transports listeners to the electric atmosphere of a sold out arena. An invitation to be immersed in the glitz of 70s rock and roll. "When The Love Is Gone invades the mind with the catchy chorus intertwined with the pounding drums and electrifying guitar solo. Raw emotions lace through the track as DES ROCS' commanding vocals prevent any sort of detachment.
As sorrow follows the album, Fall Together leans into bluesier territory without abandoning that classic rock backbone. The second verse is elevated by the violins, an instrumental that appears throughout the album. Sing Me To Sleep continues to carry these hard feelings. A mellower track that craves emotional safety. With a catchy bridge, this is one for fans to hold their phone lights above to. DES ROCS' clean vocal range is showcased in The More She Wants with occasional emotional tremors adding depth and vulnerability to the performance. There is a more theatrical approach as the track is layered with violins and angelic backing vocals. A sense of hope arises, a pivotal moment within the album.
Legends never die; a mantra that surges energy throughout The Riders of Red Hook (Legends Never Die). Taking centre stage, vibrant drums and electrifying guitar solos build up steady momentum. The focus on the bridge is drawn through layered voices, a reminder of hope. As the track closes, a controlled fizzle transitions effortlessly into the next track. No time is wasted as The King teases the guitar rhythm, establishing a regal atmosphere before the first verse unfolds.
Track seven has already earned praise from longtime fans and new fans. This Land encapsulates a rebellious grit that continues to amplify the sense of empowerment that comes with speaking up. The wild spirited song serves as the official opening theme song to the video game, Borderlands 4. Despite being a heavily appraised single, its placement within the album still generates a palpable sense of excitement, rewarding listeners with the satisfaction of ownership and context. “There’s one way in and no way out” forces listeners to break through the journey of hell. Whilst healing isn’t linear, there is a found rage from self reflection in War. The controlled drums emphasise the personal growth and ability to tackle inner demons. The playful and motivational motifs continue throughout this album. Stomping drums, clapping and playful guitar riffs opens The Juice. It’s vibrant, punchy, and instantly memorable.
The song of the summer has made itself evident closer to the end of the album. Supernaturalize is a track enjoyed within the sun and a beer in hand. Self-discovery is evident as DES ROCS is no longer held back by previous emotions. We have exited the realm of hell. The album closes on a similarly playful note in The Way but there’s purpose beneath the joy. The immersive female backing vocals create a joyful atmosphere while the guitar solos keep things dynamic. For a song about breaking free, it feels satisfying and earned. A triumphant exhale over the emotionally transformed into empowerment.
To Hell And Back delivers as an ode to classic rock and highlights DES ROCS' New York grit. With boldly theatrical elements, this album is designed for the stage with unapologetically raw emotions that are bigger than the songs themselves. Navigating your way through the heavy emotions of hell into self empowerment. This is the journey to hell and back.
Score: 7/10
To Hell and Back will be released on 12th June 2026 via Sumerian Records.
Words: Theviya R Karunaharan
Photos: Jimmy Fontaine
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