ALBUM REVIEW: Colours In The Sun – Voyager

Aussie prog rockers VOYAGER have gradually be gaining momentum in the progressive scene since their formation way back in the early noughties. Fifth album V spelled the beginning of the band’s chapter of success, with 2017’s Ghost Mile cementing VOYAGER as a class act in the prog world. Seventh album Colours In The Sun sees the band triumph with their heaviest yet poppiest album to date. Their 80’s-infused prog rock has always been a winning formula, but Colours In The Sun boasts the strongest collection of VOYAGER songs. Each track could easily be a single in its own right, demonstrating the strength of the material.

Album opener Colours is a perfect example of the band’s heavy/80’s balance and arguably the best single VOYAGER have ever released. The synth introduction hints at the bright and fun times to come. Frontman Danny Estrin is a real treat for the ears with his smooth croons. Amongst the fun hooks and catchy chorus, there’s djent and heavy riffs galore. It all comes together for the last chorus and it is one of the most satisfying things you’ve heard all year.

Severomance is another catchy offering with a more serious edge. It sounds typically VOYAGER whereas third track Brightstar is new and improved VOYAGER with its positivity and colourful synths. This song sounds like sunshine and it is so uplifting and catchy. The punchy riffs beautifully compliment the soaring melodies – turning a bit TESSERACT-esque at the very end.

The bold and proggy Saccharine Dream is another stellar example of an 80’s chorus laced with techy guitars. The result is so sublime you’ll wonder why more bands haven’t cottoned on to this fabulous concoction of styles. Nothing however, prepares you for the perfection that is Entropy. Two of prog’s most talented bands collide as LEPROUS‘ main man Einar Solberg graces the track with his distinct vocals. The energy is phenomenal and Solberg very nearly steals the whole show. This is unlike anything VOYAGER have delivered before and it is game-changing.

It was always going to be tricky to follow on from a song like Entropy, but VOYAGER pull out their heaviest song in the form of Reconnected and it’s killer. With a manic piano melody followed by crushing riffs, it’s a formidable start…but it gets heavier. Mixing TESSERACT and DISTORTED HARMONY vibes, it is one of the most powerful tracks on Colours In The Sun and it will be one you’ll return to again and again. The quirky Now Or Never almost feels like a palette cleanser before the rousing Sign Of The Times. Despite the happy synths and catchy chorus, there is an underlying melancholy which gives it an extra depth.

Penultimate track Water Over The Bridge is another riff-tastic triumph. The streak of melancholy remains with the lyrical metaphors. This track is especially guitar driven, but the climax is something truly special. VOYAGER definitely leave one of the best tracks for last though. Runaway provides the stirring finale for this superb album. The 80’s vibes are stronger than ever on this album closer, with one of the best choruses we’ve heard from VOYAGER. Estrin has proved he is still a master storyteller on Colours In The Sun, but he wouldn’t reach the same heights without the brilliant backing of the rest of the band.

VOYAGER‘s chemistry seeps into the album as each component compliments the other and it all gels impressively well. The band have clearly found their sound and are thriving with it. Compared to previous albums, the songs on Colours In The Sun are more focussed and succinct, making the album one of the most solid prog records of the year. If VOYAGER have been a sleeper hit so far, then the rest of the metal community are about to wake up to the brilliance of these talented Aussies.

Rating: 9/10

Colours In The Sun is set for release on November 1st via Season of Mist.

Like VOYAGER on Facebook.