French webzine Rocknlive.org recently conducted an interview with THE COMPULSIONS’ Rob Carlyle. In the interview Carlyle talked about working with GUNS N' ROSES members, the band's upcoming record Beat The Devil, inspiration behind forming The Compulsions, and more. Excerpts can be found below:

Rocknlive.org: Why did you decide to work with Frank Ferrer (Guns N' Roses), Richard Fortus (Guns N' Roses) and Sami Yaffa (NEW YORK DOLLS/ex-HANOI ROCKS)?

Rob Carlyle: “A lot of guys have been in and out of the Compulsions over the years but Frank, Richard and Sami have been the easiest to work with by far. The first time we rehearsed it was like we’d been playing together for years. These guys are consummate professionals.”

Rocknlive.org: After releasing three EPs, you'll release your first full length album, Beat The Devil, by the end of the year. Can you tell us more about the musical path that lead you to Beat The Devil?

Rob Carlyle: “The first Compulsions EP was called Laughter From Below (2004) and it basically laid the groundwork for what was to come. It was straight up rock n’ roll but there were elements of punk, Southern rock, disco, country, the blues and reggae. The next EP was Demon Love (2008) where we expanded on the Compulsions’ sound with a horn section, clavinet, honky tonk piano, drum machine, synth bass and fiddle. And on Been Through Hell (2009) we added elements of nu metal and hip hop not to mention a six minute underwater epic that takes you down to the bottom of the ocean. On our upcoming full length album, Beat the Devil (2011), you’ll hear us solidifying the Compulsions’ sound even further not to mention the influence of artists like LED ZEPPELIN, MOTÖRHEAD, EDDIE COCHRAN and PRINCE.”

Rocknlive.org: On Beat The Devil you play with Hubert Sumlin (Howlin’ Wolf/Muddy Waters) on the song 'Shut Yer Hole'. How did that come about?

Rob Carlyle: “I wrote a dirty blues song called ‘Shut Yer Hole’ and wanted Hubert on it. I’d seen him play in New York a few times so I was pretty sure he lived in the area. [Compulsions co-producer] Hugh Pool coincidentally knew Hubert’s manager and the rest is history. On ‘Shut Yer Hole’, Hubert plays the grittiest, grimiest, most unpredictable guitar solo I’ve ever heard and I’ve heard a lot.”

Read the entire interview here.

The Compulsions has revealed the cover art for Beat The Devil, due out before the end of the year. The bloody pic was taken several years ago by photographer Roderick Angle during an early Compulsions show at The Pussycat Lounge. Check out the artwork below:

Featured on the album will be, many of Carlyle’s favourite local musicians including blues guitarist, Hubert Sumlin (HOWLIN’ WOLF, MUDDY WATERS).

Beat The Devil tracklisting is as follows:

‘Hired Gun’

‘I Just Wanna Play Guitar’

‘Dirty Woman Blues’

‘Yer Too Good For Me’

‘Eat My Dust’

‘Ea$y Money’

‘Ya Never Got Me Down’

‘She’s So F****n’ Sexy’

‘I Was Right, You Were Wrong’

‘Shut Yer Hole’