|
If the logo on the cover of this CD makes you think this is a
soundtrack for the Star Trek: Voyager television series,
you’re in for a big surprise. The atmospheric keyboard intro might
still make a great title tune for a science fiction series, but when
the band really blasts off, it’s quite something different and
unique you’re getting. This Australian band definitely goes where
no man has gone before…
It’s not easy to describe how Voyager sounds. Yes, you could
compare them to Queensr˙che, Savatage, Symphony X,
Stratovarius and Royal Hunt, with Balance of Power
(because of their sense of melody) and Crimson Glory (because
of the pathos) being the bands that come to mind most often. There
are also touches of death metal and of the epic grandeur of
Rhapsody and even the slightest hint of Rammstein
(really!). They don’t avoid the odd loops, samples and electronica
either. But then all comparisons are flawed, because Voyager
in effect sounds very original. All aforementioned elements blend
together in quite a unique sound; the incredible melodies being the
factor that binds them together.
The metal part of the sound is provided by the heavy guitar riffs,
the fast solos and the driving double bass drum (which I’m not too
fond of, I’m afraid). This is nicely countered by the very prominent
keyboards, with both synths and piano playing very important parts.
One of the greatest assets of the band is definitely singer Daniel
Estrin. On first listen, his voice doesn’t seem to fit the metal
music, but at the same time it’s this voice that makes the music so
much more than just metal. His voice can be both smooth and raw and
simply drips with melody. Estrin can just as easily move into a
gentle falsetto as into an aggressive grunt; his bombastic pathos is
just as convincing as his tender wailing. The perfect voice for such
a versatile band.
Lots of great songs on this album, with no two tracks sounding
alike. “To The Morning Light” is heavy, theatrical and melodic, and
one of the highlights. “Cosmic Armageddon Pt I” is another pretty
heavy one. The melody, though, is more something you would expect
from a Gary Hughes composition for his band Ten.
Incidentally, the chorus reminds me a bit of this band’s “Fear The
Force” (from their “Spellbound” album).
The church hymn “Miseria” blends into the ultra-fast “Monument”, one
of a couple of neo-classical tracks that –not surprisingly- show
hints of Yngwie Malmsteen. “This Bitter Land”, “The Ancient
Labyrinth” and the instrumental “The V Element” are also great
songs.
It’s pretty rare these days that a metal band is able to really
impress me. As far as I’m concerned, though, this ultra-melodic and
original outfit is a bit of a sensation. So, get this CD, fasten
your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff; I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy
the flight.
 |
