November 7, 2007 | | 3.5

V:28, Violution

V:28’s caustic version of industrial metal has a sound deeply rooted in droning atmospherics, death and black metal. Apocalyptic themes are spit vehemently through ruff vocals, aggressive riffs and a chaotic mix of synth noise. The combination of all the aforementioned elements deliver the band’s end-of-man message through layered textures and punishing blasts on this third disc in their story foretelling the fall of man.

The tortured vocal delivery is key on this album, alternating between a few members of the band to create an interesting dynamic. The guitar work on Violution ranges from static filled droning noise to raging riffing. Add in a drummer with insanely spastic pedal work and machine gun blasts and you’ve got a piece of essential listening with this album.

Exequor
The disc starts off with about 2:34 of atmospheric noise to set the scene of a desolate landscape. The tracks builds in volume and chaotic noise until the first real song (“Shut It Down”) explodes.

Shut It Down
Black metal riffing and rapid fire drums kick in hard after the introductory noise track. After the initial onslaught the band settles into a bit of steady drumming as eerie keyboards weave around the speakers. The vocal deliveries between various members of the band range from higher pitched black metal style to deep guttural death growls. The shift from growler to growler makes for a great layered dynamic.

The Absolute
“The Absolute” transitions near seamlessly from the last track with slowly played riffing and drums. This one starts out a bit more dramatic with soaring leads and melodic elements. There are some cleanly sung vocals that seem a little out of place on the initial listen, but reveal themselves to be quite integral to the overall appeal of the song after a few plays. Shifting between the cleaner vocals and the black metal blasts proves to work well for the band.

Pattern Of The Weak
After “The Absolute” fades out this next one starts out with a little guitar noise that brought visions of Sepultura’s “Propaganda” to mind. I was immediately hoping for a sick cover of that song, but was bludgeoned back into reality with some intense drums and black metal riffing. There’s some interesting synth work through this one that helps layer the grime and industrial sludge nicely through crushing riffs and pounding drums. Synth affected lyrics kick in as the band slows the pace down and incorporates more of an industrial noise to their sound.

Surrender To Oblivion
“Surrender To Oblivion” starts out with atmospheric effects before an big riff and creative drumming join in. It’s a dramatic start to a track that’s much darker and slower paced with deep, guttural vocals that tear at your very being. There’s a lot going on throughout the near seven and a half minutes on this one, including creative guitar work, memorable riffing and thunderous drums.

World Wide Bombing Day
A memorable bit of guitar work and driving drums get this one started with sound clips and a bit of noise. The band explodes in to a black metal flavored bit of thrashing metal after the slower opening. They shift the pace a few times on this one, keeping the listener on their toes not able to predict what will come next. There are some great Entombed flavored, galloping riffs halfway through “world wide bombing day” that’ll leave your neck a little sore as the track fades.

Desert Generator
“Desert Generator” opens up with an interesting bit of guitar work before driving drums and an evil lead join it. Some beefy, chugging riffs hit heavily after the initial vocal onslaught. I love the hell out of this track. It’s got everything you could want.

Can You See The Light Now?
Calculated blasts from drums are timed nicely with chugging riffs and guttural vocals. This plodding monstrosity is one heavy-assed track full of creative drum fills and guitar work. The chugging heaviness shifts periodically to driving black metal and back again, leaving the listener dizzy with an evil grin on their face.

When Entropy Decreases
The final track on this fantastic album has a much more dramatic feel to it. Slower paced riffs and vocal delivery help set up the longest track as the most artistic. Memorable riffs combine with complimentary synth work to produce a rich and layered sound. The last couple of minutes or so are filled with static, chaos and other synth noises before coming to an abrupt end.

~ ~ ~

Utilizing industrial drone, vile black metal and death metal elements, V:28 have painted a vision of a post apocalyptic end to humanity with their latest album, Violution. There’s a great deal of interesting pieces to this bit of metal that only reveal themselves after several listens. It’s definitely worth checking out.

Favorite Tracks:
Shut It Down
Pattern Of The Weak
Desert Generator
Can You See The Light Now?

Additional Notes:
Enhanced CD comes with video for “shut it down”