ALBUM REVIEW: Boundless – Valis Ablaze

2017 was the breakout year for Bristolian’s VALIS ABLAZE, releasing their debut EP Insularity and making appearances at UK Tech-Fest. This year may top that as the band prepare to release their first full length entitled Boundless on April 6th, their first release under the banner of their new residence at Long Branch Records.

Afterlight eases you in with subtle atmospherics whilst the unobtrusive vocals float through the mix before the energy builds into pulsating riffs that display the utmost of clarity. The Crossing flows seamlessly after its predecessor as minimalistic tones drift through the air accompanied by prominent bass lines leading the procession. The examples provided so far already demonstrate a more mature sound, following in the footsteps of the likes of TESSERACT by executing the ‘less is more’ approach to maximum effect.

Lumen unveils a more upbeat vibe with hard hitting guitar work supplemented by slick lead work as the melody shines through the arrangement. This track is a shining example of how unorthodox rhythms can also be insatiably memorable when blended correctly. Proceeding track Evade is a completely different animal entirely as it traverses down a more dense, frantic route, picking up momentum as the vocals swoop overhead. Whilst the backbone of the track is constructed mostly by the galloping bass tone it may just contain one of the most addictive riffs of the year as the song spontaneously descends into a crushing burst of infectious groove.

Hex lets the drums perform the initial heavy lifting, building up the intensity before VALIS ABLAZE start to flex their djent infused muscles with impressive guitar segments and graceful vocal passages that are destined to become ingrained in your mind for days. The State Between Us continues this momentum with tasteful piano accompaniments and is appropriate timing for frontman Phil Owen to show off his effective growling abilities which add to the aggression of the arrangement. The diverse twists throughout including ambient interludes and proficient solo work exhibited only further enforce just what a creative band VALIS ABLAZE can be.

Signals may come across as an interlude with its short track length but it’s thunderous riffing and pummeling drums ideally tee up following track Faster Than Light and it’s intricate, energetic layers of chaos. The soaring vocals and rapid fire lead work compliment each other brilliantly as you feel like you are being hit from all angles by the frenzied instrumentation. Funky bass elements and virtuoso guitar play add the cherry on the elaborately lively cake.

Frequency slows the freight train down somewhat as the track commences with a subdued tempo and relaxing vocals (including the complimentary tones of Drewsif Stalin to add an extra level of colour to the canvas). Further into proceedings the intensity begins to re-emerge onto the scene before Paradox takes a dark twist, bludgeoning you with downtuned, jabbing beats and eerie, distorted vibes.

Closing track Reflections doesn’t let up entirely, possessing subtle complexities amongst the arrangement as the piano soothingly eases you into the final track. The riffs don’t stop coming (as further mind bending lead work is thrown into the mix) but are fragmented amongst some gentle, tranquil intermissions leaving Boundless on an uplifting, emotive note.

Whilst Insularity brought them copious amounts of adoration Boundless feels more refined, more sophisticated and has elevated VALIS ABLAZE to the next level. Combining punchy, djent soaked riffing and graceful vocal passages they have effortlessly amalgamated the best of both tech metal worlds. If anyone had somehow managed to overlook their previous work Boundless launches VALIS ABLAZE directly into your field of vision, demanding the recognition they so rightly deserve.

Rating: 9/10

Boundless is due for release on April 6th via Long Branch Records.

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