For those who don’t know this traditional metal band, it features Ryan Waste (Municipal Waste) and my journey started with their split release with Sweden’s Enforcer. Combining their musical vision through their EP and single releases, ‘On the Edge’ is a debut full length album that by the bands own admission engages slightly more complex musical arrangements. No one will be able to deny the Iron Maiden influence, especially on a song such as ‘Brethren of the Coast’ which in itself is a total epic slab of metal. There are galloping rhythms, vocal whoa’s, ahh’s etc… and melodies complimented with blistering fret-board exercises that are consistent throughout this release. Maybe the crux of this release is its actual consistency, although the slower tracks wain your interest from time to time.
‘Hot Wire’, ‘Nightrance’ and ‘Heat Seaker’ also have a touch of the US scene influencing its sound. Or rather I should say vocally, as in some places Jack Bauer’s voice reminds me of very early Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe 81-83) emulating Bruce Dickinson. A vocalist can make all the difference to a band and whilst I was a fan of the ex-singer Brent Hubbard, Bauer’s style has strength and character and is a perfect companion to the music. Why would you ever expect a band to sound the same with a different singer anyway? The good thing about Volture is that the music style still remains constant, and I refer you back to my earlier comment on melodies, there are plenty of guitar moments that really take you back in time as you spin this new release that has a dated sounding tone to the recording. Rather than being too “demo-like”, there is enough professional quality to justify both its classic music style/appeal in its current time of release, but I do find a difference in the sound from bands of this North American continent compared to Europe.
Volture certainly stand tall in the US scene of traditional metal of late, although I would say there is a bit of work to do to catch up with the Scandinavian’s and European’s in general, there is a spark missing and that I feel it is in the sound and not the songs. However, don’t let this detract you. ‘On the Edge’ is a cool album and does exactly what it is trying to do by presenting guitar showmanship and well respected harmonies.
(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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