In the present day and age, Australian heavy music never fails to impress. Now, a new chapter opens. This legendary Perth outfit have been plying their world class trade since the late ‘90s, and this is their fifth album. Nothing could have prepared me for the musical wonder that is V.
Talk about a band with an absolute grasp of their craft – it’s like all of their previous releases were leading up to this moment in time. The planets have aligned for Voyager on this record, and they have created their masterwork. The songs are beautifully crafted pieces of melodic, progressive metal works of art, set-up beautifully by opener, and second single Hyperventilating.
The slightly more direct, immediate second single Breaking Down follows, then the magnificent A Beautiful Mistake, which features the majestic guest vocals of Zemyna Kuliukas.
An unbelievably strong opening, which in the hands of a less consistent band may have been a problem, may have been rather difficult to better. But not these guys. The album fairly goes from strength to strength. Driving verses cascade into sublime, uplifting choruses. Beautifully constructed and delivered melodies abound, juxtaposed against riveting metal riffs and grooves. Sweet touches of electronica provide yet further colour to the mix. Moments of pounding percussive muscle. Musicianship and production values of an untouchable kind.
International attention has certainly come their way with their previous few releases, however, if there is any justice in the musical world, this should be release that confirms these guys as one of the premiere melodic/progressive heavy acts on the planet.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Best Track: A Beautiful Mistake
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: VANISHING POINT, EYEFEAR, DEVIN TOWNSEND
In A Word: Superb
