Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 07:55 AM by Nikos Nakos
Genre: Technical Thrash Metal
Country: U.S.A.
Label: Earache Records
Year: 2016
Vektor are considered one of the best metal acts in the Extreme Metal Universe and not unfairly. And why shouldn’t they? They have created their own vast, infinite, borderless space, where they can fit all of their ideas and produce uniquely fascinating records that leave us staggered. Vektor follow no rules, not rends, no fashions. They are paving their own way (well, they have been for so many years now, but you get my point) and doing thing in their own terms, therefore they stand out from the lot.
About a month ago, Vektor finally released their new record, entitled “Terminal Redux”. “Terminal Redux” comes five years after the band’s last full length release “Outer Isolation” and made our anticipation worth the while. It doesn’t fall far from the Vektor tree, as more or less their distinctive sound is unchanged. In albums such as this one, it’s a difficult task to collect your thoughts and start writing a review. What can you possibly do when your mind’s so blown up? “Terminal Redux” is a splendid example of Technical Thrash metal. Ambience and aggression, violence and melody! Jaw – dropping twists and changes in rhythms. Ingenious genre blending song-writing! Extremely fast compositions that make you think they were written by inhuman hands. I especially loved the changes from extremely paranoid riffs to riffs of utter calmness. The use of choir and clean vocals is smart and on point, as the compositions gain extra points of awesomeness. Nice touch, the somehow different than usual vocals, reminding me of Chuck’s vocals in “The Sound of Perseverance”. Additionally, the album gains points due to the eloquent, well – written lyrics and the story they unfold. Please, do yourself a favor and keep reading the lyrics while you are listening to the record and try to grasp their meaning. Also, there’s a stunning continuity between the tracks, therefore the record is far from tiring (despite its long duration).
In “Terminal Redux”, the compositions are prolific, as here you can find anything you can imagine. An example of that fruitful productivity is the incorporation of progressive thrash and black metal elements, while death metal outbursts are scattered here and there. This integration of various genres as a matter of fact is extremely careful and attentive, thus making “Terminal Redux” their most mature record.
“Terminal Redux” makes you wonder… Is this Vektor’s peak? If not… where the hell will they push the limit next? They have already expanded the limitations and the made thrash metal’s boundaries elastic and easily bent. Is “Terminal Redux” the record of the year? Even though it’s quite soon to judge that, we have a strong contender for this year’s race. It definitely exceeded by far our expectations. “Terminal Redux” is a record that can be appreciated by more than just devotees of the progressive sound or the fans of the band. It’s pleasing to the ear, whether you fall into the aforementioned categories or not. Open – mindedness is the key. In order to fully embrace “Terminal Redux” (in case you’re not that familiar with Vektor) you’d better listen to the band’s previous releases first, so that the transition would be easier.
I don’t think there’s any point in keep writing. You’ll listen and you’ll understand. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. Hit the “play” button immediately, or sod off!
5,5/6
