VLTIMAS
VLTIMAS “Epic”
By Dr. Abner Mality
Album #2 for the extreme supergroup VLTIMAS, with the bombastic name of “Epic”. Does it live up to the title or is it a case of sophomore slump?
This is a hard one to analyze. I’m not sure I’d call it a clear case of “sophomore slump” but it sure doesn’t strike me with the immediacy of their debut. For a band with the platinum pedigree of ULTIMAS, it just doesn’t seem HEAVY enough. The production is all smoothed out and it doesn’t have the raging bite of a MORBID ANGEL or CRYPTOPSY, two bands that have contributed ex-members to the project. In a way, I appreciate it, because VLTIMAS is clearly not just a clone or continuation of its “origin” bands and that’s a plus. But there is something lacking here.
The vocals of David Vincent will be a bone of contention for some and they are for sure “different”. They are gruff, but VERY melodramatic and at some points, it sounds like Dave is about to break into almost operatic tones. I actually kind of like it, but it’s not like MORBID ANGEL growling, if that’s what you’re after. Dramatic is a good way to describe the band’s songs, which blend dissonant, almost black metal melodies with a more rapid fire death metal attack. The title track kind of rolls and undulates like a boa constrictor, with Vincent’s most extravagant and memorable vocals. One thing’s for sure, and that’s that Flo Mournier still drums like a maniac. The man is almost inhuman with his speed, which adds a good edge to the fast tracks like “Scorcher” and “Exercitus Irae”.
When VLTIMAS goes for slower and longer tracks, they lose their way. “Mephisto Manifesto” has Vincent singing in an almost parody fashion and the spoken monologue at the end of the track is pretty silly. And “Spoils of War” ends the album on a dull and pretty pedestrian note. These are tracks where the smoothness of the production works against them.
In no way is the album a bust, as the aforementioned “Scorcher” and “Exercitus Irae” as well as “Misere” hit hard and even the average songs still have some good points. Guitarist Rune Eriksen of AURA NOIR is joined by Ype TVS of DODECAHEDRON and Joao Duarte of CORPUS CHRISTI, which provides a 3 axe attack. Which is strange because it rarely sounds as layered as a 3 guitar band.
I prefer the first VLTIMAS album, but don’t think “EPIC” is bad enough to sink the band. But for album #3, they’ve got to get back some of that rawness and spark.