Photo Credit: Heli Andrea
Danish-Swedish quartet VOLA are a progressive metal group known for blending melodic synths and atmospheric elements with heavy riffs. As a band, they combine various influences from genres like industrial, electronica, djent, and progressive alt-rock. Friend of a Phantom, marking their fourth studio album, reflects a maturation in their artistry as they evolve. It delves into themes of change, mirroring the shifts in their personal tastes and their approach to songwriting and instrumentation, particularly since the release of 2016’s Inmazes and their most recent album, 2021’s Witness.
Friend of a Phantom is a journey where each song takes distinct twists and turns, yet the album fits together cohesively, like a puzzle. It extensively explores human nature, vulnerability, and existential themes through meticulously layered soundscapes and deeply reflective lyrics. VOLA combine heavy and electronic elements to craft an album that feels raw and introspective, with each track contributing to an overarching narrative of self-discovery, societal critique, and emotional confrontation.
Cannibal kicks off the album with a high-octane energy, embodying VOLA‘s approach to fusion with a collaboration featuring Anders Fridén of In Flames, alongside vocalist Asger Mygind. The track’s heavy riffs and the dynamic contrast between Fridén‘s powerful vocals and Mygind‘s more melodic tones set the stage for a gripping opener that bridges aggression with reflective depth.
Break My Lying Tongue brings a contrasting tone, merging an upbeat tempo and vibrant melody with melancholic lyrics. This juxtaposition creates a fascinating blend that examines misalignment in relationships, reflecting on how underlying sadness can often coexist with lively exteriors. The chorus is infectious yet poignant, with the instrumental work supporting a sense of vulnerability.
We Will Not Disband is a nostalgic nod to the band’s history. The delicate guitar solo that opens the track evokes childhood memories, while building a hypnotic aura that echoes the determination and unity of the band’s journey. This track feels like a love letter to VOLA‘s resilience and evolution, illustrating how far they’ve come while retaining the bonds that drive them forward.
Glass Mannequin takes on a more pensive tone, with atmospheric soundscapes and metaphor-laden lyrics that delve into the fragility of human existence. The titular “glass mannequin” serves as a powerful image, symbolising vulnerability and the delicacy of human emotions. This track is a testament to VOLA‘s ability to create a deeply immersive experience, with the ambient instrumentation and delicate vocals delivering a hauntingly beautiful meditation on being human.
In contrast, Bleed Out sees the album take a darker turn, diving into themes of violence and mortality. The electronic intro sets an unsettling atmosphere that builds to distorted vocals and layers of sonic tension, with harsher vocal sections erupting in a visceral breakdown. The recurring line “I am covered in blood” strikes a haunting chord, evoking the idea of being tainted by the world’s violent realities. The lyrical exploration of impulsive actions and their consequences makes this song a pivotal moment, exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Paper Wolf continues the ominous energy, featuring disoriented riffs that mimic a predator stalking its prey. With a blend of contemporary and classic metal influences, this track creates an intense atmosphere that’s as unsettling as it is engaging. Dark undertones are complemented by ethereal, almost ghostly sonic elements that convey a feeling of lurking danger.
I Don’t Know How We Got Here is a lament on societal tragedies and the disbelief accompanying them. The song’s introspective lyrics resonate with a sense of collective grief, highlighting how the world can sometimes feel unrecognisable. This track serves as a reminder of how life’s most precious aspects can vanish instantly, evoking both sorrow and reflection.
Whilst the penultimate song, Hollow Kid, injects a shot of intensity with its heavy intro and prominent riff, blending influences from Metallica‘s Enter Sandman with the polyrhythmic complexity of Meshuggah. This fusion creates a potent force within the album, adding layers of rhythmic intrigue while showcasing the band’s technical ability and versatility.
The album concludes with Tray, a softer, more contemplative track. With its sombre tone and emotionally charged melody, it serves as a fitting conclusion that leaves the listener with a sense of closure. The sci-fi soundscape lends an intergalactic quality, a dreamlike escape from the intensity of the previous tracks. The lighter instrumentation feels like a breath of fresh air, symbolising hope and introspection after the album’s emotional journey.
Overall, Friend of a Phantom stands as a powerful reflection of VOLA’s artistic journey, seamlessly blending weighty themes with varied sonic elements. The album’s ability to evoke introspection, while delivering genre-blending musicality, cements VOLA’s position as an innovator in progressive metal. With a balance of heaviness and vulnerability, they provide a transcendent experience that invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of life and the nature of existence itself.
9/10
Standout Tracks: Bleed Out, Hollow Kid, Tray
For Fans Of: Haken, Meshuggah, Porcupine Tree
Written by: Zena Morris
