Danish band VOLA have been around for a good few years so far, with a couple of EPs and a single release to their name in what one might perhaps describe as their formative years. “Inmazes” is their full length debut album, initially self-released in 2015 as a digital production, but later on they signed to Mascot Records for the official release of the album in physical format in the early fall of 2016.
The ten tracks on this production will perhaps be a bewildering fare for a few listeners, and then first and foremost those with a strong preoccupation towards genres and style boundaries I imagine. Vola comes across as a rather innovative band on many levels, but while disregarding many unwritten conventions they make sure to do so in what I’d describe as a radio friendly manner. Which may be seen as somewhat surprising, considering that the foundation of most of their compositions can be summarized with the expression djent.
Those fond of the dark, majestic and booming guitar and bass that is a trademark of oh so many metal bands will find plenty of this here, albeit more often than not delivered in what I experience as a smoother, more controlled and elegant manner than what many other bands of this ilk do. That they feature a vocalist with a crystal clear, light toned and melodic voice may be a slight deviation from the norm as well, although what separates Vola from other bands are differences of a more dramatic nature. Or perhaps less dramatic might be a better expression.
Throughout this production the djent foundation is mixed with, paired off with and set side to side with passages of a starkly different nature: Wandering, careful pop/rock themes, ambient sequences, sparse synth pop and occasionally also with instances of vintage style progressive metal. Occasional industrial rock flavored tendencies may arguably be found as well. Djent style smooth metal with occasional raw and dirty modes of delivery teaming up with the aesthetics of Mew and Depeche Mode if you like, and then run through a radio friendly, compelling filter.
The quality is excellent throughout, perhaps apart from the cover art that I’d describe as having more of a niche appeal, but the compositions, mix and production as well as performance doesn’t leave much to be desired. A true to life killer tune might be missing, as none of the tracks really feels superior to any others, but none feel inferior to the other either. A solid production, worth a check by those who find the notion of djent style metal explored in a radio friendly manner sounds intriguing.
Overall: 80/100
