US heavy metal duo VISION MASTER are set to release their unconventional debut EP through GATES OF HELL RECORDS, featuring 10 tracks of mystical metal madness!

I need to begin this review by expressing how different this album sounds compared to contemporary bands; a feat not so easily achieved in a scene in which new bands and releases are springing up on a near daily basis. Not only in composition and structure, but the actual *sound* of the album which is refreshingly lo-fi giving room for each instrument and vocal to breath. The mix is rather thin but works in the bands favour, but does not mean in any way that its a poor mix.

Kicking things off is “Wolves in the Shadows” getting straight to the point with a headbanging verse and chorus, that mixes classic thrash with touch of early NWOBHM. The 2 toned vocal style is introduced early which is explored later. A blackened mid section rolls on, demonstrating the bands ability to shift gear quite easily. Next up is “Wet Net”, a syncopated audio assault not too far removed from something VOIVOD would put out, with twists and turns and otherwordly inspired lyrics. Depsite the riffing flying all over the place, the hooks are still there. “Gossamer Sky” slows down the pace momentarily, with an infectious main riff that’s comes back regularly throughout in a satisfying way. The demented vocals really excel here to create an almost schizophrenic feel. Fuck knows what the songs about but it all works together! A frantic mid section leads back to the great main riff to close.

“Knife in a Velvet Glove” is an evil black thrash ripper that does not compromise in any way, with blast beats, double bass attack and barked lyrics. The clarity of the guitar production really comes through here. This track is equal parts melody, power and rock! “Walls of Bone” is a moody plodder, with heavy doom elements, a welcome break from the last track’s relentless assault. The middle part is totally different to what’s preceded before, an ethereal guitar showcase backed by a doom ridden riff. “Sandstone” goes hard into the speed metal vibe, contacted by a breathing chorus, with reliance on vocal melody which delivers. Some expertly delivered frantic riffing is displayed here, with the guitar sounding almost as crazed as the vocals.

Next up is the awesomely titled “Arc Terminal X” with a catchy riff that combines melody and speed which evolves throughout the track. There’s a lot of dynamism in the vocals straight away, with 2 styles already showcased. A thrash bark with a hint of agony and a polarising, almost spoken passage. Before you know it the track is over, leading to “Dust Within” is a proper rocker, adorned with a bluesy riffs and a vocals style which swaps seamlessly between a higher pitch warble and the wrenched out death/thrash style guttural used before. The bass here is showcased nicely, usually following the guitar but with a few nice flourishes but mostly complimenting the rest of the track by its ever constant rumble.

“Beyond”. A haunting intro leads way to an almost doom track, channeling early BLACK SABBATH energy in its simplicity, before diverting to an atmospheric blackened section with howled vocals. This is the most diverse sounding track, and most far removed from the rest of the album mainly due to the extremity of its black metal sections. Album closer “Thin Veil” is a suitable closer, encapsulating the dynamic sound of the album, a rock riff played with conviction with a view to retain its intensity and hooky feel. A very guitar centre mid section with harmonies you’d expect from those eponymous IRON MAIDEN albums.

Conclusion

A refreshing album filled with unique moments, complete with absolute savage passages whilst retaining musical class. The production is crystal clear and the layers within are dynamic, surprising and satisfying. It has the experimental wildness akin to some BUDGIE tracks, and at full tilt it has glorious classic metal moments that wouldn’t sound out of place on an ENFORCER album.

THENWOTHM Score: 9/10

Links:

Vision Master Bandcamp: https://visionmaster.bandcamp.com/music

Gates of Hell Records Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/gatesofhellrecords
Gates of Hell Records http://www.gatesofhellrecords.com
Gates of Hell Records Bandcamp: https://gatesofhellrecords.bandcamp.com