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GODSTICKS “VOiD”
GODSTICKS “VOiD”
By Colonel Angus
DREAM THEATER definitely helped push prog metal into the mainstream but along the way, there have been many bands that sprung up that don’t have the same name recognition. GODSTICKS is one of those bands that have been around since 2009 and have released seven records and an E.P. and yet neither have I nor any of my friends heard of them. It’s a shame that I am first finding out about them by reviewing their latest record “VOiD” because on the strength of this release, I feel I have been missing out on some great music.
Now while they are definitely prog metal, I would put them more into a category with a band like ENCHANT where the songs come first and then the prog elements are added in after. I like this approach because it puts more of a focus on the melodies and song structure making it more enjoyable for the average listener. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy bands who go full-on prog and show off their incredible musicianship but ultimately, those bands don’t get put into heavy rotation on the Colonel’s CD player. What we get on “VOiD” is ten tracks of approximately forty-five minutes prog that toggles between hard riffing and moody melodies.
Opening the record, “M.I.A.” blasts you right between the eyes with no intro of extended music. It’s almost like the song is in progress which is a little jarring but gets you going banging your head before you know what hit you. No time is wasted when they launch into the second track “Hold Back”. Once the guitars kick in, the band don’t hold back (pun intended) and they engage this cool stop/start riffing that brings this energy to the song. While there is plenty of prog to enjoy in these tunes, there is a great melody and groove to the whole affair which makes it that much enjoyable for us non-musos.
“VOiD” doesn’t let up until the fourth track “Master of a Plan” that has this hypnotic vibe in the beginning that carries throughout but builds into quite a dramatic tune. Gavin Bushell”s guitar work is exceptionally good on this track with a light touch during the verses and chorus while pulling out a great emotional solo towards the end. “Master of a Plan” is sandwiched between the hard edged “Watch It Burn” and “Torn Again”, both of which possess a nice prog metal groove that was present within the opening tunes.
Things take another turn with the funky (at least to me) “Can’t Withstand”. I could totally see someone like Glenn Hughes writing a tune like this. I feel that when GODSTICKS stretches their sound, they go to places that the listener wouldn’t expect, giving the whole record a unique experience that will last. The strutting riffs of “Ruthless Coward” make it one of the most straightforward tracks on the record, but like many of the preceding songs, it shares a common sonic thread that ties the album together into a cohesive package.
The record closes with the two part “Talking Through Walls” and “Hope is Burning”. The former is broken into two very distinct pieces with the first part having that same dreamy and hypnotic vibe that was displayed on “Master of a Plan” while the second part builds into a heavier version of part one. “Hope is Burning” ends the album on a mellower note that musically has a sad feel. I like the song a lot and I feel it is one of the highlights on “VOiD” but I feel it would have fit better somewhere in the middle of the disk. Aside from that minor quibble, I find the record does not need any other alterations as GODSTICKS should be very proud of “VOiD”. On the strength of this album alone, I will definitely be checking out their back catalogue. That being said, “VOiD” is a great place to start if you are new to GODSTICKS.
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