FRIEND OF A PHANTOM

"Friend of a Phantom" is the fourth full-length studio album by Danish rock/metal act Vola. The album was released in November 2024 through Mascot Label Group. It´s the successor to Witness from May 2021. The album was preceded by the release of no less than four singles. The first one being "Paper Wolf" which was already released in August 2023. The last single released from the album was "Cannibal" (released in September 2024) featuring Anders Fridén of In Flames on guest vocals. A promotional video was also shot for this track.

"Cannibal" opens the album and it´s arguably a powerful way to open an album. Vola´s dynamic and electronic tinged/keyboard laden metal style with punchy angular riffs and more subtle melodic parts works well with Fridén´s raw vocals complimenting Asger Mygind´s clean vocals. Vola aren´t the most mysterious or adventurous band out there and although Fridén´s guest appearance makes "Cannibal" a little different from the remaining tracks (although a few other tracks also feature raw shouting vocals for effect), "Friend of a Phantom" is a stylistically consistent release. It´s also a high quality release throughout. Memorable and effective songwriting (maybe a bit formulaic vers/chorus based, but otherwise well composed material), high level musical performances, and a professional, clear, and detailed sound production, which suits the material well.

To my ears Vola have always been strongly influenced by their fellow countrymen in Mew, although they´ve taken the melodic and epic sound into heavier territories. Vola have never been able to reach (and maybe have no intention to) the experimental and unconventional nature of Mew though. The other artist I´m constantly reminded of when listening to "Friend of a Phantom" is Katatonia. Again Vola are the less emotionally complex little brother in that relationship, and upon conclusion "Friend of a Phantom" may be a high quality release on all parameters, but the ultra polished nature of the album and the predictability of the songwriting ensure that this is an album which doesn´t reach the heights it could have, had Vola been a bit more gritty and willing to take chances. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).

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