METAFICTION

Votum is a band with much potential. I recently discovered them, and I fell in love with their melancholy, profound music in the vein of Riverside. Votum indeed is profound. While their music style tends to be softer, deeper, and moodier; their lyrical content is a punch in the gut. They do resemble Riverside in some slight ways, but no more than how some progressive metal bands resemble Dream Theater---the comparison is there, but is of little consequence.

More specifically, Votum has a great mix of music here. I have not purchased their first album yet (though I plan to), and I have heard that it is heavier than "Metafiction". That being said, this album is full of ballads with a few heavier songs thrown in the mix. This does not pull the album down at all, although I will admit that during the first few listens I was wishing for some heavier songs. I must point out, however, that this wish was merely because Votum is so good at the heavy stuff. There are two heavier songs on this album, and both of them are fantastic and very progressive. Overall, though, props should be given to the vocalist and the drummer here. The vocals are outstanding; they are technically incredible as well as emotionally vulnerable. The emotion really comes through here, and this is something I love. The drummer is also to be commended. He concocts some great and unique beats, and does not try to steal the show when the emphasis is on the lyrics or the breathy vocals. All the musicians in this band are exceptional, however.

The theme of this album centers on the idea that we have more than we know. It tells the sad story of a suicidal man who does not stop to see all that he has in the love of his wife and family---and he has even more than that (as seen in the final track). This concept is very profound, and it causes one to stop and "smell the roses".

Track List:

1. "Falling Dream": This is a great opening track that will really grow on you after 4 or 5 listens. It presents the primary theme of the album quite well, but also gives you an idea of the musical concept as well. 9/10.

2. "Glassy Essence": This is easily one of the best tracks on the album. The chorus is incredible, and the medium tempo keeps thing melancholy. 10/10.

3. "Home": This is another great song that presents a lot of emotion, and it provides some great prog rock as well. 8/10.

4. "Faces": This is probably my least favorite song on the album. It is a slow ballad, but there is little in the way of interesting lyrical content or music. The vocals are incredible, to be sure. It is not filler, and it is still enjoyable, however. 6/10.

5. "Stranger than Fiction": This is one of the two heavier tracks on the album, and even involves some screaming at the end. It is really well done, and the drummer really stands out here. 9/10.

6. "Indifferent": This is another slower song on the album that really brings the emotional punch. Again, the vocals are amazing, and the raw humanity here is gut-wrenching. The final act has a faster tempo that perfectly complements the rest of the song. 8/10.

7. "December 20th": This is the best song on the album. It is heavy at parts, breathy in some areas, and amazing as a whole. Not only is musical expertise present, but the vocals and the concept of the album both come to fruition. We see the end of the story, and an emotion low is reached. This is an outstanding track. 10/10.

Overall, this is an exceptional album that just missed "essential" status. I am looking forward to their first album; and, according to the Facebook page, they have a new album coming soon. I will certainly buy this immediately. Votum's "Metafiction" is highly recommended.