ALBUM/EP REVIEW: Voidgazer - Dance of the Undesirables

This EP is a reissue of the band’s second release in 2021, with two additional songs added to the mix. A combination of progressive metal, sludge and grindcore, it’s 36-minutes of aural abuse that will either have you stomping around in a circle or vomiting in a corner. 

Within minutes of Jesus Take the Needle, the opening song, there is a crushing feeling in the chest as Voidgazer’s intense approach takes over. The riffs are massive, the vocals raw and angry, and the overall approach appears to be one that cares not who is in the way. Omar Olivares’ brutal vocals rage over the top of patterns of sprawling riffs that cascade throughout. The rhythm section punches hard, Kyle McNeil bashing seven shades out of his kit during the slightly QOTSA vibe on Expectations Management, another gnarly and savage beastie. In fact, there is nothing but gnarly beasties included in the seven songs on offer, to the extent that you are ready to offer Olivares throat lozenges after his performance. There’s no shortage of musicianship lurking underneath, with bursts of clean guitar breaking through from time to time. 

Voidgazer. Photo Credit: Danny Tilson

The title track sits centrally, a ferocious eight-minutes that builds with racing guitar, pulsing bass and a drum sound that kicks in with violence of the highest level. A swirling maelstrom of punishing power, Dance of the Desirables isn’t one for the faint hearted, no sir! The riffs cascade, the power is elevated to 11, and Voidgazer just let rip. Although the heat has been intense from the start, the explosive Sexual Sadist Serial Killer ups the levels still further. Possibly the heaviest track on the album, this is a sheer battering ram of chaos on a large scale. It leads into the one-minute burst of the Grand Appeasement before the final hammer blows rain down with the final song, From Nothing. 

Voidgazer’s latest release may comprise mainly songs from before, but this is a solid and dynamic release that demonstrates the band’s power and prowess. If you like things gnarly and aggressive, this should be one for you.

Dance of the Desirables is released on 7th June via Reigning Phoenix Music

Review by Hutch