VOYAGER – V (2014)

*

In the present day and age, Australian heavy music never fails to impress. Or deliver. Or to blow minds. And on June 2nd, 2014, a new chapter opens. VOYAGER, the Perth based outfit have been playing their world class trade since the late nineties, and “V” (five) this is their fifth album.

With a strong tuneful sensibility at its core, the spine of this record is one of both innovation, excellent lyricism, and pushing-the-envelope. The songs are beautifully crafted pieces of melodic, progressive metal works of art set up greatly by opener and second single “Hyperventilating”.
It’s an absolute earworm of a song and if that’s not enough for you, the massive-sounding chorus is a line that you just can’t help but sing along to – it’s one of those sections that seems destined to be stuck in your head for days, and it’s a good choice to get the album moving because of how striking it is.

Next “Breaking Down” comes off very much as a progressive rock track, but with further emphasis on the vocals, keys and synths used; with the drums and guitars taking a backseat in terms of the mixing. This actually works to its benefit, however, serving up an accessible track that should only help Voyager to reach a wider breadth of listeners.
Featuring guest vocals from Zemyna Kuliukas on “A Beautiful Mistake” her delivery is stunning and chimes in at the perfect moment, swimming high above the driving rhythm of the song.

“V” continues in much the same way following this, with highlights such as the hugely emotive “Embrace The Limitless” that features some stunning harmony vocals and lush instrumentation throughout, and “Peacekeeper” is somewhat of a slow burner that takes more of a stripped-back route, but it really pays off and shows they have another string to their bow rather than just your standard rock song.
The album fairly goes from strength to strength. Driving choruses cascade into sublime, uplifting choruses. Beautifully constructed and delivered melodies abound, juxtaposed against riveting metal riffs and grooves.
Sweet touches of synths provide yet further colour to the mix. Moments of pounding percussive muscle. Musicianship and production values of an untouchable kind. Yes, it’s that good.

Across the 13 tracks that comprise “V”, you’re exposed to varying degrees of Voyager’s musical ability. No one track feels the same, but despite this, the album still flows with a great level of consistency. And by all merit it’s a fascinating exercise in the Perth quintet’s arsenal of skill, musicianship and recording ability.
“V” is an album that is polished, clean, and refined. But don’t let that fool you, this album is straight-up in every respect and is thus far the best example of who and what these progressive metallers are all about.
If there is any justice in the musical world, this should be the release that confirms Voyager as one of the premiere melodic progressive heavy acts on the planet.
Strongly Recommended.

01 – Hyperventilating
02 – Breaking Down
03 – A Beautiful Mistake
04 – Fortune Favours the Blind
05 – You, the Shallow
06 – Embrace the Limitless
07 – Orpheus
08 – The Domination Game
09 – Peacekeeper
10 – It’s a Wonder
11 – The Morning Light
12 – Summer Always Comes Again
13 – Seasons of Age

Daniel “Nephil” Estrin – Vocals, Keyboards
Simone Dow – Guitars
Scott Kay – Guitars
Alex Canion – Bass
Ashley Doodkorte – Drums
Guest Musicians:
Daniel Tompkins (ex-TesseracT) – Vocals on track 2
Zemyna Kuliukas – Vocals on track 3

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/dp/B00KATQ8SY
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