VOYAGER: Univers (PROGRESSIVE METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In 2004, "Element V" had already provoked a few waves in MW's team, always on the lookout for a new treat. Some critics had pointed out the strange mixture of genres proposed by the combo, but generally agreed that this eclecticism did not necessarily harm the coherence of the whole.

Voyager has kept this characteristic in this new opus. Indeed, can be heard, listening to the 11 tracks composing this album, sounds sometimes electro (keyboards), melodious vocals but also progressive impulses, symphonic passages and heavy melodic harmonies... Daniel Estrin, the singer and keyboard tripper, has a particularly pleasant vocal organ that sometimes develops a range similar to that of Morten Harket. In some rare cases, he destabilizes us with some guttural pushes coming from nowhere...

"Higher existence" starts to a lively rhythm, the vocal beginning is guttural, but it doesn't last, Estrin then rocks us with his charming timbre. This track, with its prog construction, has a catchy melody, the drums roll cheerfully and the keyboard is electro tinted... With "Deep weeds", we can feel the ghost of the old-fashioned "Angra". A certainty began to emerge from this second track: the singer's voice was positioned as a major asset for the group.

This is confirmed with "Everwaiting" which refers us to a muscular A-Ah. This is followed by a short acoustic instrumental followed by "Cross the line" which sweep you away by various and incessant melodious waves. Vocals, choirs, keyboards, guitars, all in unison, capture you in a dishevelled maelstrom. "Pulse" is a bomb, "Falling" is very melodious, "What I Need" border on electro and "White shadow" is a melodic-prog -black-symphonic-heavy track. Surprinsing !

To have this name and choose "Univers" as the album title when you are able to offer such musical diversity, it cannot be innocent. These guys deserve your full attention. - Official website

VOYAGER

UNIVERS

DOCKYARD1

PROGRESSIVE METAL