Labels: Profound Lore
Review by: Alex Deller
Vhol manage a whole bunch of stuff that seriously impresses me. They nail thrash metal (think: Sacrilege; Kreator) in a way that sounds authentic without sounding retro, kitsch or try-hard, which is no mean feat at all. They’re also hugely ambitious and progressive, but ensure these tendencies are woven into their music so seamlessly that a huge, borderline-ludicrous flight of baroque fancy can be effortlessly inserted without seeming at all out of place. They even lob in some crossover moments that somehow don’t sound like total balls. Impressive, right? Right. Couple that with some seriously shit-kicking songwriting, muso moments that’ll make you choke on your own mouth froth and the ever-awesome vocals of Sigrid Sheie (Hammers Of Misfortune/Amber Asylum) and you’re onto a surefire, solid-gold winner.