ALBUM REVIEW: VOLA - Friend of a Phantom

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Vola - Friend of a Phantom

Progressive metal has been in a very healthy shape for many years, and it is a genre that continually modernises and evolves with new and interesting bands coming along and taking metal to new sonic strengths. One such band that epitomises an amazing modern progressive metal sound are Danish/Swedish prog metallers VOLA who floored me when I first heard their song Stray the Skies many years ago. 

They are a band I have fanboyed over since and seen grow exponentially in terms of skills as both performers and writers across their three albums which have all added something new and brilliant to the VOLA sound. That growth continues with their stunning fourth album Friend of a Phantom. VOLA are definitely the product of a wide range of ideas and influences with elements of progressive metal, djent, alternative rock, electronica and just whatever else takes their fancy. 

Vola

Add into the equation the intelligent yet poignant vocals of frontman Asger Mygind, huge and explosive melodies and stadium-sized hooks that will live rent free in your head and you essentially have the VOLA sound. Friend Of A Phantom takes what has come before, expands upon it and travels into some new and different territories across nine songs that are as fiercely intense as they are beautifully delicate. Songs such as We Will Not Disband and Bleed Out see the band balance the passion and beauty in perfect measure and stunning style, the intensity coming to the foreground in songs like opener Cannibal (which features Anders Friden of In Flames on guest vocals). 

Glass Mannequin showcases the band’s emotional and introspective side whilst I Don’t Know How We Got Here is a gorgeous piece which demonstrates the band’s progressive rock sensibilities. Electronica elements have been a prevalent part of the VOLA sound and that is no different here with the keyboards driving songs such as the breath-taking Break My Lying Tongue with its jagged stabbing synths, and adding layers to the magnificent Paper Wolf. 

Vola

Friend Of a Phantom is another masterpiece from VOLA. They are a band that try something different with each album yet remain unmistakably VOLA. Progressive metal can be accused of being bloated and overly complex, but VOLA have found a way to remain progressive in a succinct and streamlined manner. The time signatures are complex, the riffs technical, but at the heart of VOLA is good old-fashioned song writing, and that is where the band has always excelled. The songs on Friend of a Phantom are some of the finest the band have ever done. 

This is a must hear album by anyone who dabbles in progressive music and modern metal and with the band touring the UK in November 2024, I implore you to go and see them perform live if you can as that is an unforgettable experience. VOLA are really flying the flag for contemporary metal and Friend of a Phantom is another amazing album from the band.


Friend of a Phantom is released via Mascot Records on 1st November
Review by Richard Oliver

Vola Tour




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