VOLA offers an insightful journey through their new album 'Friend of a Phantom'

'Friend of a Phantom' is the latest release from the progressive metal pioneers, VOLA. Over the past decade, the Scandinavian band have solidified their reputation in crafting music that combines melody with intensity, and this album is no exception. With its genre-blending style and exploration of complex themes, Friend of a Phantom promises to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers to bring them into VOLA’s world... Such as myself! Who is now in love with this band!

They are well-known for intertwining electronica with progressive metal to create a cinematic, almost futuristic essence in their music, a bit like longtime rocker, Gary Numan. And whilst this album allows that familiarity for the already established fanbase, it does shift heavily between moments of melodic calm and bursts of raw intensity, offering a diverse perspective for their fans to explore and opening the doors for newcomers.

The album starts off with 'Cannibal', a powerful and strong introduction that sets the tone with infectious head-banging and a fierce collaboration with Anders Fridén from In Flames. His amazing growls complement Asger Mygind’s smooth vocals, creating a track that is at once brutal and beautiful. The song’s melodic hooks cut through the heavy riffs, setting a high standard for what follows and I feel makes the album more accessible to the metal lovers who aren't so into the aggressive growls.

'Break My Lying Tongue' is a big standout and I just have to shout out VOLA’s skill in balancing intensities. Their signature electronic elements really shine through with this one and add a fresh dimension to the track’s tech-metal core, making it both thrilling and emotionally layered. The juxtaposition between energetic rhythms and melancholic lyrics paints a picture of misaligned relationships, capturing a sadness beneath the track’s lively exterior.

Halfway through this incredible album comes 'Bleed Out', which shifts the tone darker, exploring themes of violence and mortality. Opening with a robotic synth line and eery vocals, the track builds an intimidating atmosphere that culminates in a visceral breakdown. The song’s heavy riffs and unsettling electronic underscore underpins its themes of impulsive actions and haunting regrets, providing a pivotal moment in the album’s narrative.

Later tracks like 'I Don’t Know How We Got Here' and 'Hollow Kid' add depth to your journey through the album. 'I Don’t Know How We Got Here' is a somber reflection on societal tragedies, pairing explosive drums with deep, insightful lyrics, while 'Hollow Kid' returns to heavier territory with crunching riffs and a rhythmic complexity that highlights the band’s technical power.

Finally, 'Tray' closes the album on a softer note, drawing listeners into an introspective, sci-fi-inspired soundscape. With its emotional charge and gentle melody, it offers a moment of catharsis, symbolizing hope and closure after the album’s intense journey.

VOLA’s lyrics in 'Friend of a Phantom' often touch on existential themes and personal troubles, exploring our vulnerabilities as people and the turbulence of our emotional lives. Tracks like 'We Will Not Disband' and 'I Don’t Know How We Got Here' reflect on unity, resilience, and collective grief, exploring both personal and social struggles that many people often endure. This adds a whole new layer to this album, the band and the fans, creating a sort of unified and family feeling. Almost as if to say 'You are not alone when you are listening to our music'.

Overall, 'Friend of a Phantom' is a lyrical journey. VOLA’s exceptional production and ambitious songwriting really shine through, establishing their place as innovators in the progressive metal scene. The final result is an album that resonates beyond its runtime, inviting reflection on themes of existence, identity, and resilience, offering a deeply rewarding experience for listeners.

With 'Friend of a Phantom', VOLA proves that they are not only masters of their craft but also storytellers capable of capturing the complexity of the human experience and life in a solid 9-track album.