ALBUM REVIEW: Vultures Vengeance – Dust Age

As a huge fan of everything that band has done so far from the demo and EP’s to the debut full length, I am ecstatic to hear we get a new album from Italian Heavy Metal mystics Vultures Vengeance. Out via High Roller Records on February 21st.

Bewitching guitars gleam into life, electrifying us with beams of mystical Heavy Metal. The roll of drums and gorgeous harmonies in sublime balance before riveting melodies cascade forth with a haunting soundscape of precise and powerful metallic magic. Equally mesmerising are the spectral vocals which drape atop the instruments beautifully. Instantly that unique and chilling feeling that Vultures Vengeance have mastered can be recognised on this record. Although the riffs are truly magnificent, the lead guitars set the band out even more with their wonderfully shredding and melodic flourishes that elevate the songs to the stratosphere. Shimmering cleaner guitars add that layer of ancient enigmatic interest and with the production absolutely crystal clear and more natural than ever; the dust age can be felt to the very core of your being. Packing a hell of a punch, the rhythmic hooks stop the meandering progressions from floating too far away and keep the record marching valiantly forth without restricting the vocals and lead guitars in their eccentric displays of excellence. The wait for this record is already proving more than worthy of patience as the opening songs display the band as resplendent as ever.

Blending the perfect amounts of the progressive, melodic and epic into a core of pure Heavy Metal might, this band defies the modern stains on traditional music while doing something absolutely unique and one-of-a-kind. Perhaps most akin to fellow Italians like Dark Quarterer or the earliest incarnation of Running Wild but copying neither, Vultures Vengeance remain exciting and fill each song with endless unexpected twists and turns. The ability to keep it straightforwardly enjoyable enough to headbang to, or pound a fist, while diversifying their sound with so many fascinating elements is certainly an impressive feat. From the intricate picking riffs, huge sweeping leads and powerfully epic vocals; everything rides neatly and stoically on unwavering drums. The entire band feels energised and bursting will masterful skill. Every note feels like a revelation not to be ignored or overlooked. There is just so much beauty to take in that it would be overwhelming, but thanks to the clarity of the production it feels ecstatically pleasurable in all of its crystalline merits. Blinding light and bottomless darkness coexist in this album with ease as the cosmos is opened to every adventurer who is ready to witness its brilliance.

As with everything by this band, I wish it never had to end. There is no doubt that I will be playing this record a lot and for an eternity as I do with the others. But sadly, its playing time is not infinite. For forty minutes expect to be held in wonder and amazement, to the point your breath will be held and your fists clenched awaiting to see where we will sojourn next with the band. From ancient lands to otherworldly reaches and civilisations long forgotten; everything here feels like a special secret that we are sharing with a band whose music speaks truths that language could not convey. This may be hard to imagine, so listen and hear for yourself this music that is greater than most things you will have heard or hear henceforth. I am running out of ways to positively describe this album and with no negatives to address, I will simply allow myself to be consumed by it and start the process all over again at the end…

Heavy Metal can still feel magical, otherworldly and grandiose. Vultures Vengeance prove that once again on their second full length album which is another truly infallible offering amidst a discography that is all worth owning. They embody everything I adore about this music and balance all of its most key elements perfectly without compromising their creative or artistic ideals. “Dust Age” cannot be called their magnum opus, because everything they have released would be worthy of such a title. As it stands Vultures Vengeance are the most boundless and majestic Heavy Metal band putting out new records and have continued to assure their legacy is a formidable one that will stand the test of times with their ancient and mystifying sounds of true steel. Embark on this quest of sheer and unmistakable transcendental prowess.

For more Vultures Vengeance reading, check out my interview with TT Steele here!