Dvne – Voidkind
Reviewed by: Denis Bridger
Review Score: 8.5
When I’m looking for music for myself and for music to review, I’m always looking for something a little different, innovative, reminiscent of past musical loves, something completely off the wall or something that simply makes me go “hmmm” and makes me want to listen more. That is the case with Dvne. From the opening bars, I wan’t sure if this was my thing, but the riff was pretty captivating, so I continued to listen and wasn’t disappointed.
Dvne began life in Edinburg ( Scotland ) in 2013 and is the brainchild of Frenchman Victor Vicart and Scotsman Dudley Tait. Their music is descibed in the bio as post-metal/prog- sludge, but I shall leave that down to the listener to decide.
Voidkind is the second record on the mighty Metal Blade label and follows the much acclaimed first album Etemen Ænka, which I have to say is also a good record. If I review a new band, I generally listen to the back catalogue to get an overview of changes of sound and progress from a band. As such, I’d say that Voidkind follows in the vein of Etemen Ænka, but, there have been some obvious changes. Victor says “We still have the big nine-minute songs, but now we also have these more concise songs that still feel like us. We want people to immediately recognize the riff.” The sound on both albums is recognizable as the same band and there are a few memorable riffs, so I’d say that goal has been achieved. There has also been the addition of full-time keyboardist Maxime Keller, so a big change there.
‘Summa Blasphemia‘ is the opener and, to be honest, I don’t really go in for shouty, scream-y vocals. I do like a clear melodic singer but the opening riff hooked me and drove me forward, regardless of the vocals. When the singing changed to a more melodic style, it became more progressive and easier for my ears, but then the shouty vocals came in again. To be honest, the contrast works… maybe a few screams here and there are okay. I guess there was no going back now, as Dvne had me locked in for the duration.
‘Eleonora‘ again opens with a memorable riff and the feel is more of a traditional prog tune. At 8:34 minute mark, ‘Eleonora‘ stays true to the complex compositions that Dvne are already known for. You have the heavy parts that scream at you with blasting drums and bubbling bass, and then the contrast of the melodies, and then both at the same time. A solid tune, indeed.
There seems to be a theme going on here. At about half way though the song ‘Reaching For Telos‘ there is a breakdown and progressiveness that comes in once the heavier first-half has passed. I think the more melodic proggy parts are what kept me interested on the first listen, the more melodic proggy parts. The screams/shouty vocals are not so necessary for me as Victor Vicart’s vocals are pretty good, but if you like the really aggressive vocals, then it’s all good. Luckily for me, the riffs and general feel to the music is powerful and exciting, which has averted my ears during the screaming.
‘Reliquary‘ Is a very heavy track with parts that remind me of early Sepultura, but then you have some psychedelic rock about halfway through the track. At three quarters through, you have some melodies with heavy riffs. A lot to think about here. Dvne seem to have found the formula that works for them and they do what they do with confidence, brutality, and sensitivity.
Both track five, ‘Path of Dust‘ and track 7, ‘Path Of Ether‘, are ninety second ambient interludes, which makes me ask again: is there a concept album in here somewhere?
‘Sarmatæ‘ is the shortest of the main tracks at just four and a half minutes and is more prog based, allowing for Daniel Barter’s vocals to shine here. Maybe this track will be one of my faves as I listen more times. It kind of sits nicely between ‘Path Of dust’ and ‘Path Of Ether.‘
‘Abode Of The Perfect Soul‘ has a lot going on and has a little bit of a Puscifer/Tool feel in places (Puscifer is a band I’ve been getting into lately, so maybe that’s why it’s reminded me of Mr. Maynard James Keenan’s work). The last three tracks on this record are all epic, between seven and ten minutes. Victor’s wish to have recognizable riffs has definitely been achieved and the bass on this track is immense… or is it a synth? Hard to tell these days.
The penultimate track ‘Plērōma‘ (which has been released as a single) is probably a good choice for a single. It builds from synths with more reliably good guitar and gradually grows and grows into a really nice riff and vocals that are maybe the clearest on the record (if, like me, you like to understand lyrics). This is possibly the most accessible track for a new listener who may not like such heavy vocals, although there are still some growls between the melodies. Definitely a worthy entrance into the world of Dvne, if you are a newcomer.
And then, finally, ‘Cobalt Sun Necropolis‘, an epic ten minute track, leads with some great reverb guitar and has the feel of an album ending. This time the melodies are aplenty. The prog heart is open allowing for a scream here and there. This track builds and builds, maybe to a crescendo, an explosion, a full force, or maybe just a steady jaunt,. You’ll have to listen to find out. ‘Cobalt Sun Necropolis‘ feels like an encore song at a gig; it’s long and you want to see what’s coming next. The track finishes off the album nicely.
CONCLUSION
Definitely a good record that will please prog folks and the heavier metal folks. I would say it is a step up from the last record but stays in the same vein. Dvne are consistent to say the least. From a personal point of view, I would like to be able to hear the lyrics a bit clearer. I would need the lyrics to know what is being sung, and I don’t know if it’s my ears or speakers, but I find hearing the keys or synths not so easy, but on the flip side, probably, if there weren’t keys, I would notice the difference. A good all round record that will please the fans and I have a feeling this album is going to be a real grower, so watch out.
Voidkind will available April 19th via Metal Blade Records. ORDER HERE. Check out Dvne on tour in The UK and Europe this summer.