A day may come when a mediocre album is released form the hands of Arjen Lucassen, but it is not this day.
Victims of the Modern Age reunites the original
Star One cast in anoher musical Sci-fi adventure. Solely judging by the music the album has a sort of Firefly/The Matrix feel to it. Meaning a relaxed, friendly, slightly dark atmosphere with depth and excitement all around. Several references to sci-fi movies are also in place and you are a big ape if you can't spot them.
Lucassen fans will love this, I am sure. Everyone else should take notice as well. Victims... showcases his heavier side and easily outdoes Space Metal in that department. The guitar sound is monstrously heavy and provides the perfect base. The drum sound is equally powerful and judging by the sound of this digital promo the production is superb.
This is heavy metal with some progressive elements, a focus on strong melodies and four vocalists who each delivers a terrific performance. Individually they are superb but singing together as they do in nearly every song the impression goes off the scale. Growls are used sparingly but effectively.
The album delivers a varied and highly enjoyable experience.
Digital Rain opens in a forceful manner with an explosion of heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums and ends with a multi layered vocal duet. Every song offers something unique. The title track is led by an adventurous melody and flows in and out of moods in an effective way.
Human See, Human Do has a wonderful, strong drive, inviting you to headbang sing along. The intensity is kept high throughout the song. Halfway through the album it's one unbroken string of highlights.
The second half fortunately keeps this up.
24 Hours takes a more complex route but never sacrifices heaviness or power. The song is intricate and weaves a landscape, which is exciting to explore and hard to escape from...
Cassandra Complex is pleasingly melodic with
Damian Wilson delivering an admirable performance. It's great to hear him back in action.
It All Ends Here puts a fitting end to things with a blast of suffocating air.
The Buzz on Victims of the Modern Age is true, it goes to infinity and beyond. It's a fantastic voyage that comes with my highest recommendation.
Written by
Steen Friday, October 15, 2010
Show all reviews by SteenRatingsSteen: 8/10Members: 7.25/10 - Average of 2 ratings.
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