TIME MUST HAVE A STOP

VOTUM are a fairly new Prog-Metal band out of Poland. This is their debut and the vocals are in English. On their web-site they state that atmosphere is more important than the style of music they play. This is atmospheric Prog-Metal and I am really impressed with this record. It seems to be a concept album and it can be quite dark and heavy at times but we do get some variety. Yes I did think of fellow Poles RIVERSIDE at times and even the cover art recalls RIVERSIDE's first three albums.

"Me In The Dark" opens with laid back guitar and reserved vocals. It kicks in powerfully a minute in and riffs follow. Amazing instrumental section after 3 minutes. It settles with some atmosphere 5 minutes in. "The Pun" has this good beat with vocals and I love the guitar before 2 minutes with heavy drums.Here we go ! As they kick in before 3 minutes, and check out the drums a minute later. I like when he "lets go" vocally during this tune. Great finish and song. "Passing Scars" is heavy and atmospheric, vocals before a minute. A fair amount of keyboards on this one especially after 3 minutes. Spoken vocals follow. "Train Back Home" is a laid back tune with keys, bass, light drums, reserved vocals and some tasteful guitar. It does get fuller. Piano and some atmosphere after 3 1/2 minutes.

"The Hunt Is On" opens with strummed guitar as heavy drums and piano joins in quickly. It kicks in before a minute. This is great ! Vocals 2 minutes in as the tempo picks up. A calm before 4 minutes and then it kicks back in heavily 5 minutes in. Nice. "Away" opens with piano as reserved vocals come in. Acoustic guitar follows. Drums come in as the tempo picks up.Tasteful guitar after 3 minutes and 4 1/2 minutes in. "Look At Me Now" has this killer intro as vocals join in. Some growly vocals in this one comes and goes. A powerful tune especially before 5 minutes. "Time Must Have A Stop" opens with piano before drums and some huge bass join in. Guitar after a minute. Check out the atmosphere on this one. Some good contrasts between the heaviness and atmospheric sections. Great sound before 9 minutes, but then this whole track is incredible.

A solid 4 stars and highly recommended to Prog-Metal fans.