VULKAN

Upon changing its name to VULKAN the band immediately changed its classic retro prog sound to include more heavy guitar heft and released its first album MASK OF AIR the same year of formation. This debut featured more of a classic prog sound laced with heavy rock often bordering on metal and for a few brief moments actually could qualify but for the most part MASK OF AIR is dedicated to the lengthy emotive prog tracks that intertwine spaced out atmospheres with stellar guitar, bass and drum rhythmic drive. One of the highlights of VULKAN's sound is the expressive vocals of lead single Jimmy Lindblad whose style gives an extra layer of emotive connection to the musical accompaniment.

It's not really clear who VULKAN sounds like. It's clearly a style of retro prog that implements a dash of King Crimson at their heaviest with Floydian space rock along with some of the symphonic prog styles of the 90s, perhaps the Flower Kings or similar acts but to my ears VULKAN stands out by existing somewhere in between all of these bands, borrowing elements from all but piecing it all together in a unique way. The tunes are melodic and multi-vocal harmonies are employed at key moments for extra emphasis on the melodic constructs which dominate the sonicscapes.

MASK OF AIR is a lengthy best sprawling on to almost the 77 minute mark and in its wake it leaves 10 tracks many of which are over 8 minutes and only a three that are below six. This is the type of prog you can get lost in. Tender lyrical deliveries offer a sense of melancholy only punctuated by an angsty heft that randomly generates the contrast in the form of bombast. VULKAN reminds me of alternative Wobbler in many regards only with less focus on the symphonic aspects and more on the guitar, bass and drum triumvirate that supports the dominant vocal style. Faux flute sounds also occur now and again and the album mainly simmers on mid-tempo rhythmic drives rather than turning up the heat.

VULKAN's debut is an interesting example of highly emotive psychedelic prog with a heavier edge. The mellotron sounds add a serious dose of retro dynamism whereas the heavier guitar sequences evoke a more contemporary stance. The album's melodies are instantly addictive but implement some interesting chord progressions to offer that in-the-prog-zone-4-sure feel. MASK OF AIR is a strong debut and would be followed by "Observants" in 2016 which got the band on the Pain of Salvation tour in 2018. While the band has shifted to an even more eccentric style of playing on their newer material, this more laid back traditional style of space rock and heavy prog is quite a pleasant listen and one that could become quite addictive on subsequent listens and offers the sweet satisfaction of a Porcupine Tree album.

With all that said, there are a couple of flaws with the record that prevent me from giving it a higher rating. For starters, the songs really all start to sound the same after 'Sp'kskepp.' The instrumental psychedelic interludes are all forgettable. And while I give the group a lot of credit for opting to sing some tracks in their native language, the lyrics in English that I do understand really come off tone deaf in the current environment. Corona virus and the lockdowns it has instigated has emphasized to humanity the extent to which nature is still out to kill us and how much information technology (i.e. the 'second life in what we call a screen' in the record's opener) can help us maintain some normalcy despite the lock down. I really have no interest in their brand of "wake up sheeple" edginess given what's at steak at the moment.

The album is built around four mid-to-long duration compositions that start off shyly on the rhythm section and evolve on pounding riffs in the vein of The Kindred. The songs typically reach their peak towards the end with great vocal melodies that leave you wanting more. The tracks are built around the bass lines of Vincent Andren and the excellent keyboard interventions by David Engström. Indie/alternative elements from Radiohead and Muse make their appearance here and there and blend really well with Vulkan's modern alternative heavy prog style.

Despite the heavy burden from their influences, which leaves little room to manoeuvre on the originality front, the structure of the album, the variations and technical prowess of the band contribute to an excellent result. For friends of Tool, Karnivool, The Kindred, 'Observants' might make your top-list of 2016.

Best track: Consequence of Ignorance

4 (-) stars