- Elementary Revolt

9/22/2007

Tracklist

1. Maraschino [4:52]
2. The Ninth Hour [2:35]
3. Damocles [3:10]
4. Apollo [5:33]
5. Exosphere [2:29]
6. A Valid Gait [6:04]
7. Altamon [4:45]
8. The Detachment [5:10]
9. The Portrait [3:17]

Info

What do VANCOUVER have to do with bands like KROKUS, CELTIC FROST, MESSIAH, CORONER or GURD? Well, firstly the origin, as newcomers VANCOUVER were also born in Switzerland, just like the musicians of the afore-mentioned cult bands. Secondly VANCOUVER continue the tradition of first-class acts being born in this country on a regular basis. Musically this quintet doesn’t have a lot to do with the bands mentioned at the beginning.

VANCOUVER should rather feel comfortable in the niche of Metal that is occupied by praised formations such as CULT OF LUNA or ISIS. Due to the high level of “The Moment” it shouldn’t be too difficult to get a nice place in this small but fine marginal field. Even after numerous spins it is still hard to find a description for this style, as the ingredients range from Doom Metal to Hardcore to Stoner Rock and are brewed into a boiling soup. Songs such as the opening and blazing “Maraschino”, the killer ear-wig “Apollo” or the blessed “The Detachment” speak a clear and unmistakeable language.

Despite the slow basic tempo of the single songs, VANCOUVER amazingly know how to build up brutish pressure and toss the listener through the room. Only in the closing track “The Portrait” singer Michael and his brave comrades leave the sledgehammer outside and walk musical paths that seem similar to those of RADIOHEAD. A great final a perfectly suitable contrast to the eight preceding tracks which present the listener with an emotional rollercoaster ride. The surprising thing about the Swiss’ debut is the fact that all of the songs were laid down live in the studio within two days only. But I guess that it is this fact that is responsible for the unadulterated and incredible power of “ – The Moment”.

The only negative thing for most interested people should be the fact that “The Moment” was only released on the two Independent labels Division Records (Switzerland) and Deep Send Records (Canada) and that it should be hard to get this masterpiece from your trusted dealer without any problems. A glance at the listed websites should provide a solution, though, and all I can do is promise that the efforts will definitely pay off. Due to the effort shown on “The Moment” VANCOUVER can look into a bright future, and someone who is able to record an album with so much life’s blood more than deserves it.

The.Metal.Observer.

Listen: Maraschino

9/22/2007

eraser at 12:30 p. m.