A SUN BY RISING SET

German quartet THE VOID'S LAST STAND was formed in 2007 by Wingens and Blaeske of the recently disbanded outfit The Void, and with the addition of Datwa the now threesome started writing and rehearsing their own material. With the addition of bassist Touzani in February of 2009, the band became a going concern; soon after they were signed by Long Hair Music's imprint Malesch Records, which issued their debut album "A Sun by Rising Set" in November of 2009.

If you like your music experimental, highly challenging and provided in portions of epic size, The Void's Last Stand is a band you probably should investigate. Covering a vast array of different styles, from blues and psychedelic rock to hardcore punk at the extremes and always with room for experimental, intricate inserts and themes, comparisons to Frank Zappa are almost inevitable. The highly experimental nature of the lead vocals will be an alienating factor though, and as such this a band and a CD that merits further investigation prior to a possible purchase. My personal taste doesn't sit well with this album due to that particular trait, but I can certainly see others finding this production to be a treasured item. It is a well-made and carefully crafted example of avant-garde art rock, and any likes or dislikes will be due to personal taste rather than any technical or compositional features.