Source: Album Artwork
These days, the Australian metalcore scene is something to be reckoned with. Relative veterans Parkway Drive and The Amity Affliction have become world-renowned for their killer riffs and heavy style, which must be slightly intimidating for any band offering a similar experience from down under. However, Melbourne-based Void of Vision have taken on the challenge and have produced Children of Chrome; an angry, poignant debut album which could prove to be definitive for the talented five-piece.
After breaking into the heavy music scene over three years ago, it is interesting to see what the band have come up with in Children of Chrome. Essentially a protest record, the album is polished and angry, and won’t fail to wet any metalcore fan’s appetite. Each band member shows their worth on this record; from vocals that never sound strained to rhythm and lead guitars layered perfectly. The drums on this record can only be described as awesome, and along with the bass keep the beat hectic and complimentary throughout all 11 songs.
Children of Chrome is jam-packed with moshpit anthems. Huge opener ‘//’ really prepares you for all that the album holds, starting with a gentle, piano intro and exploding into furious, aggressive metal. Featuring Drew York of Stray from the Path, this song is definitive, and basically sums up all Void of Vision are about; heavy, brutal breakdowns, accompanied by a very strong beat, and aggressive lyrics which challenge the status quo such as ‘You call this freedom of speech? I say that freedom’s been breached’.
Almost each song starts completely differently, some bursting straight into furious vocals and music, while others show another side to the band, featuring melodic electronic notes, or piano keys played melodically. It isn’t only the introductions that this band experiments with, though. Rather than constantly assaulting listeners with constant metalcore songs, a couple of tracks on Children of Chrome include some interesting, and more mellow vocal melodies, as well as interesting and unusual breakdowns. ‘Ctrl Freak’ is the perfect example of this; it has many different elements which make it one of the strongest tracks on this record.
On the whole, there isn’t an awful lot that you’ll hear on this record that you won’t find any other band doing. There’s nothing hugely out of the ordinary on this record, but it is an impressive debut. Besides, in a world where metalcore is so popular and well-loved, why break away and make it something else? This is a sad, bitter album about the world we live in, and could well be the start of big things for Void of Vision.
