ALBUM REVIEW: Veil Of Imagination (re-release) – Wilderun
The last 12 months have been a bit of a rollercoaster for most bands and the future still remains uncertain as to when touring can recommence. This has been a bit of a thorn in the side of Massachusetts based progressive maestro’s WILDERUN as they were hoping to tour in support of their new album Veil Of Imagination which was initially released independently at the back end of 2019. Since then they have been snapped up by Century Media Records and with the added backing have decided to re-release the album with an added bonus track in the form of a Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son by the legendary IRON MAIDEN as extra incentive. If you haven’t had the privilege then you won’t want to sleep on this one!
The Unimaginable Zero Summer commences with an alluring spoken word segment to draw you and get your imagination firing. The layers of orchestration being to build as serene vocals work their way into the arrangement alongside soothing acoustic tones. Just as you are getting comfortable and warmed up you are greeted with a volley of blast beats. Spellbinding lead work reminiscent of Swedish legends OPETH heightens the dramatic prose and ushers in some devilish growls. You won’t come across many albums which have such a strong opening as this. Buckle up as you’re in for a wild ride!
O Resolution! continues the theatrical intensity of its predecessor as it launches you headfirst into vivid, movie soundtrack quality atmospherics. Frontman Evan Anderson Berry‘s vocal passages possess a commanding Shakespearean grandiosity that leaves you firmly fixated as they seamlessly ebb and flow between passionate and aggressive personalities. Sleeping Ambassadors of the Sun brings forth some initial ominous sounding tones before resting into a solemn but enthralling piano section. The instrumentation keeps you on your toes as it cascades through varying levels of liveliness.
Scentless Core (Budding) blissfully whisks you away with further evocative piano and captivating vocal pieces. Whilst entirely instrumental and the shortest track on the album by some considerable distance it still effortlessly holds you in its grasp before neatly teeing up the splendorous Far from Where Dreams Unfurl. The track bursts into life in emphatic fashion as the magnificent orchestration proudly marches onward. The swelling atmosphere gives you chills at every turn as masterfully executed guitar work helps elevate the track to another mesmerising level. Scentless Core (Fading) allows for a moment of contemplation and to let the sudden surge of euphoria subside. Pensive vocal lines lead the way as you get lost in the accompanying swathes of melody. It almost lures you into a false sense of security as just past the halfway point pulsing drums make their presence felt as you prepare yourself for what may come lurking round the corner.
Dark, moody riffing and a distinct heaviness fill the air setting the scene for The Tyranny of Imagination. This track provides a particularly apocalyptic vibe in the early going, like an oncoming storm that is peering over the horizon. The stomping riffs that follow are utterly addictive and are the perfect accompaniment to the brooding intensity. Demonic growls tussle for prominence with soaring melodic flourishes The intricacy starts to dial up a notch along with a sprightly tempo. The theatrical nature of the track leads you through a varied range of emotions as it throws scintillating solo work, glorious orchestral segments and effective drum flurries into one sublime melting pot that will you leave you utterly astonished. After what has just unfolded the cathartic combination of piano and acoustic tones of When the Fire and the Rose Were One are much welcomed. As it progresses the eccentric complexity begins to sneak its way back into the arrangement, enveloping you in the wild world of WILDERUN for one more triumphant voyage through the orchestral spectrum. From flamboyant flutes to vigorous blast beats this one has it all, neatly tying it up with a reprisal of the spoken word. A fitting end to this comprehensive masterpiece.
To stand out from the pack in the world of progressive metal is no easy task. You really have to think outside of the box and push the boundaries of the genre to make the necessary impact and this is precisely what WILDERUN have achieved and then some. This release will have you revisiting time and time again as it effortlessly reels you back in with its rich, inviting tapestries. The meticulous orchestration and attention to detail woven into each track is simply flawless and has helped transform Veil Of Imagination into one of the must hear albums in recent memory.
Rating: 10/10
Veil Of Imagination is out now via Century Media Records.
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