R E V I E W S

V:28 - Soul Saviour - 2005 - Vendlus Records

Track Listing1. The Brightest Light 2. Unleash the Energy 3. A Prophecy Written in Uranium 4. Infected by Life 5. The Purifying Flames 6. Solid Structure Unknown 7. As the Sky Opens 8. DeConstructor 9. Dead Men's Choir

V:28 are an industrialized black metal three-piece hailing from Norway, with the album Soul Saviour as their sophomore record. This release is one of many in this crossover field which features several other bands, most notably …And Oceans, Shade Empire, and Ram-Zet. Comparisons aren’t really fair in this instance, however, as V:28 lack the energy of …And Oceans, the complexity of Shade Empire, and the insanity of Ram-Zet. Instead, they deliver forth a more depressive form of electro-black metal. Unfortunately, it’s doubtful if they’ll ever become a force truly to be reckoned with.

The main thing that kept me from thoroughly enjoying Soul Saviour is its overall blandness. The songs generally follow the same structure and tend to be very repetitive. The electronic effects slightly enhance the monotony, but do little to bring up the overall quality of the music. The songs are slow and seem to almost drag along. Obviously this was the band’s intent, and I’m not questioning their ability to play their instruments. It’s just that the lack of any variance of pace makes a very boring listening experience.

Another aspect that slightly puts me off this album is the vocal style. Instead of a blackened rasp which would be more fitting to the overall style of the music, vocalist/guitarist Eddie Risdal often employs a much deeper growl. While it’s quite a good growl, it’s place alongside V:28’s music is questionable. It adds to the slightly depressive feeling that V:28’s music gives off, that’s certain. But he comes off sounding like a death/doom vocalist (I’m acutely reminded of a not-as-deep version of Swallow the Sun’s Mikko Kotamäki).

That’s not to say that V:28 don’t have their nice moments. On “Infected by Life,” probably the album’s strongest song, about halfway through a strong, almost techno-inspired electronic beat takes over. Eddie Risdal’s harsh vocals sound slightly comical against this backdrop, and it’s a very fun moment. When all is said and done, however, these nine tracks won’t do very much for the average listener. A fan of this style is better off picking up Shade Empire’s latest or an old …And Oceans release than bothering with V:28.


5/10

--Veritas 10.08.05

CD	TITLE	BAND	DOR	REVIEWER	DATE
	Soul Saviour	V:28	2005	Veritas	10/20/2005

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