Review Summary: Volumes have had moderate success in shaping and extending their current sound into more experimental territory with this new release. And, while they did achieve a slightly different sound, it is still hard to tell if it was for the better or worse.
By: Dave Raffy
Release Year: 2017
Genre: Djent/progressive metalcore
Label: Fearless Records
Location: California, USA
The realm of metalcore music is one that exhibits a bounty of variety based on sound, lyricism, tone, atmosphere and thematic presence. However, while this longwinded genre (possessing origins dating back to the early 1990s) contains many solid contributions within its ranks…there also exist countless acts that manage to sound almost exactly alike. This continuous trend of sounding the same arguably began with the rise of such bands as Escape The Fate, Attack Attack!, & The Devil Wears Prada in the mid-2000s. Ever since, many up-and-coming performers have either paid homage, frivolously emulated, blatantly copied, or helped to shape this overall established sound that represented the genre.
With that in mind, we have the band Volumes. Beginning in 2009, this now notable modern metalcore act, which mixed djent-style polyrhythmic riffs and core influences, came onto the scene under the Mediaskare Label to offer their talents to the world. They first released an EP titled ‘The Concept of Dreaming’ in late 2010 and began to play numerous shows with the likes of The Contortionist, Crown The Empire, and Structures.[1] Their early works, such as ‘Via’ and ‘No Sleep’, have been met with much commercial success and critical praise [2]…gaining significant views and popularity due to the single titled “Wormholes”. [3]
This newest release, entitled ‘Different Animals’, has been met with mostly very mixed reviews.[4] Many long-time fans criticized the addition of clean vocals by Myke Terry of Bury Your Dead fame. Others also argue that this recent album is “too soft” for their liking.
All negative reactions aside, the fans have to understand that things change. There is good change…and then there is change that is bad. One band shouldn’t have to sacrifice the ability to change only to sound the same for their entire career, and all just to appease their fan base. Sure, there is change that can be viewed as overwhelmingly and almost objectively mediocre (insert Suicide Silence reference here), but this reviewer believes that ‘Different Animals’ offers more than meets the eye.
For instance, this new release possesses a wide variety of tempo changes, transitions and sound. Some tracks, such as “Waves Control” and “Disaster Vehicle”, are more fast-paced and energetic; while other songs like “Finite” and “Feels Good” lean more towards the slow, soft balladic-type trend.
In addition to the variety in sound, one has to acknowledge the strength of the lyricism, which is coupled with the instrumentals that comprise the wall of sound for this band’s image. The frequently somber themes that are found in many songs of this genre make a powerful comeback in this release. Just take a glimpse at some of the lyrics here:
“If all these dreams come pouring back to me
Don’t say I didn’t leave my mind
It’s all a dream, I’m standing on my feet
I said I wouldn’t miss your eyes”
-Finite lyrics [5]
The idea of the music video and lyrics for “Finite” is that life itself and the experiences that we have within it are finite and bound to end one day. Therefore, these memories and events must be cherished. From the lyrics displayed above, one may theorize that the protagonist is possibly sleepwalking or standing in a dreaming. They are also dreaming about a potential loved one or significant other. Overall, one is capable of finding several themes and concepts in this album: ones that are memorable and can stick with you for a long time…and ones that you can actually relate to.
My favourite track, hands down, in this release is “On Her Mind”. Featuring the graces of rapper Pouya, this track discusses the theme of having difficulties dealing with a significant other. The protagonist is expressing their sorrow, lament and hardships to the listener through their thoughts and everyday experiences. The love, as well as the energy and vibes they gain from it, is still irresistible and overpowering to them. In addition, the music video for this track, which shows the band performing in a backyard pool party in front of countless people, is a load of fun to watch.
The main issues I have with this album concern a bit of the instrumentals. I will agree that the instrumentals on this release, while passable most of the time, are ultimately pretty underwhelming at times, especially in the softer tracks. The polyrhythms definitely make a comeback, but there is just not much innovation or style to them. The guitar riffs mainly serve as a background addition to the much more interesting vocals at work here. Some of the bass lines are decent, such as in “On Her Mind”, but there could have been so much more. The drummer does efficiently to keep up with the rest of the music, which is all I can say about that given my limited experience with the instrument. Also, the album could’ve been a little bit more consistent with its song structures, since most of the time the band has difficulty deciding on what the music wants to be (i.e. fast and heavy or soft and balladic).
In all, I personally don’t believe that this album deserves the hate that it’s gotten since its release. Volumes, in my opinion, have had (at least) moderate success in shaping and extending their current sound into more experimental territory with this new release. While they did achieve a slightly different sound, it is still hard to tell if it was for the better or worse, given that they have also succeeded in alienating some of their older fan base. Only time will tell of what they can do in the future…these guys just have to figure out what they will do in their future. They can go back to their old sound, stick to their newer sound, or transition further into more unknown territory. For now, ‘Different Animals’ serves a different take on an already established sound that has proven its worth in the past. And, while a lot of it is hit-or-miss, one can still find some adequate amusement for the time being. If you’re a metalcore fanatic, then this one is worth a listen. However, if you’re a progressive metalhead who is more inclined to be into the band’s early works, then this may not be the album for you. Finally, if you’re a core fan like myself who enjoys both slow and fast-paced music that catches you right in the feels, then look no further.
References:
1. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/volumes-mn0001620586/biography
2. http://www.killyourstereo.com/reviews/1025192/volumes-no-sleep
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLoDiIijO1k
4. http://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/81917-volumes-different-animals.php
5. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/volumes/finite.html
