There’s something about seeing a band work hard for the recognition they get, earning every step they take up the ladder in the music scene, that makes you proud when both fans and the music community appreciate the art they create. One such band that has done this is Denver’s Devil Got 5. Though still fairly new to the scene, people have begun to recognize their talent and originality, and they have been rewarded with shows at some of the state’s most influential venues.

Devil Got 5, which includes Eliza (vocals), Jarrod (guitar), Matt (guitar), Tim (bass) and Heath (drums), was actually originally formed with the intentions of being a side project for the two guitarists, who were both in another band.

"Two guys in our old band started a side project, so (Matt and I) decided to do one, too," Jarrod says. "It turned out we liked our side project better than the old band."

More times than not, the main focal point of a music group is in the singer, and, luckily for Devil Got 5, they managed to land one of the scene’s most powerful female voices to head up their band. Eliza has the ability to sing both beautifully clean as well as gritty rock & roll styles. Coming from a band called Bloodlyne, she was asked to audition for Devil Got 5 after hearing her prior work.

"We heard these recordings of Eliza, and we liked her," Matt says. "So we hit her up."

Rather than just pick a random, nonsensical name, they instead chose one that is derived from another genre’s history: blues.

"Devil Got 5 comes from the old Robert Johnson thing, going down to the crossroads and selling your soul for music," Jarrod explains.

Anyone would be hard pressed to find another band creating the same sound as Devil Got 5, as they incorporate so many different styles into their music. They pull techniques from metal’s past, such as almost evil sounding harmonies and galloping rhythms, but add a more contemporary edge to it.

"There’s elements of classic in the music, but we’re also bringing the old into the new," Eliza says.

"We’re doing a more modernized version of the music we listened to," Jarrod adds.

They pull their influences from all over the board, rather than focusing on one genre in specific. For Devil Got 5, it comes from both musical groups and musicians in particular, ranging from Iron Maiden and Warlock to Mike Patton and Rush.

"Everyone comes from different areas," Matt says. "I lean more towards song writers who show music appreciation."

All of the mentioned directions and influences have molded Devil Got 5 into the band they are. In a state in which the vast majority of bands are extremely heavy, they somewhat go against the grain for a nice change of pace. This is another facet that makes this group a breath of fresh air and uniquely strong, with Jarrod saying it’s hard to find any other bands like them.

"We’re more of a melodic band with good, well-written rock and metal music," Eliza says.

Summer of 2009 brought forth the debut album from Devil Got 5, which has been well-received by both music fans and critics alike. Recorded by Mark Obermayer at Ruby Studio in Northglenn, the album took an exceptional amount of time to track. The band says this is attributed to the cost involved, which helped drag out the process.

"Everyone seemed surprised by the album," Jarrod says. "But anyone can find something they like on it."

The tracks featured on the album were the first songs the band wrote together, and after the recording, they began performing several new songs they had written live.

"Matt and I come up with riffs, and it goes from there. If I come in with a riff and they don’t really like it, we don’t use it. After the music comes together, Eliza comes in and makes everything sound good," Jarrod says jokingly, with Tim adding, "We’re all very open with each other and everyone’s input."

"Not one single person is responsible for the writing," Eliza says. "There’s no band Nazi."

While performing their music live, it gives the members of Devil Got 5 a sense of fulfillment that, otherwise, they might be able to achieve. They also have a sense of closeness which transcends what you normally see in most other bands.

"These are my best friends," Tim says, to which Matt adds, "Honestly, I probably spend more time with the band than I do with anyone else."

After their shows, Jarrod says he enjoys hearing what people have to say about the band, regardless of what it is.

"Its cool hearing different feedback, good or bad," he says.

And though they have many people congratulating them on their performances and telling them how much they enjoy their music, they have found a way to not let it go to their heads. This is key in remaining on the path you are on and not allowing ego to get in the way.

"You have to stay pretty humble, you know, not get a case of rock star syndrome," Eliza says. "We keep pretty down to earth."

One common problem mentioned by musicians in the local music scene is the lack of camaraderie between bands. This leads into what is referred to as the proverbial pissing contests that occur in the scene. And the members of Devil Got 5 are quick to talk about this problem.

"I would like to see musicians come together more," Eliza says. "We need people to help each other out and book smart. This helps the bands be more successful, and the bands and the people can both have a good time. It’s not a competition; we need to support each other. It’s not a situation where only one band wins the trophy."

"If one band makes it big, it helps every other band here out," Matt adds. "And it doesn’t help when a band finishes playing, then leaves and takes their crowd with them."

As for the future, they have set some very attainable goals. It isn’t the delusions of grandeur, but rather being smart about it and taking things one step at a time.

"We want to tour, starting with small scale tours," Eliza says. "And we’ll keep writing new, innovative material."

"I want us to get our name out there," Matt says. "I would like to make this my job. I don’t need to make millions, but it would be nice to be able to support myself off of it."

But their ending thoughts redirect back in a vein that demonstrates their ability to remain humble. As a band, Devil Got 5 didn’t have to start at the absolute bottom in the music scene, something they say they are extremely thankful for. They also show their thankfulness for how they have been received by the fans and their fellow bands, as well.

"We respect all of the talent that’s in this town," Tim says. "There’s so many good bands, and we’re glad to be a part of it."