“Mental flux, primal lust.”
Viscerally violent, violently visceral. I won’t beat about the bush here — I am a huge fan of Aussie metalcore quartet Void Of Vision. Their utterly destructive blend of Northlane, The Prodigy and Reflections has continued to garner admiration throughout their career, from 2017 smash-hit Disturbia to their most recent offering Hyperdaze (Redux) in 2021. Regardless of the release, one thing is to be expected of Void Of Vision — cataclysmic, bellicose heaviness.
Launching with the first in a series of EPs, Void Of Vision return with CHRONICLES I: LUST. Opener and tone-setter “OHNE SICHT” (meaning “Without Sight” in German) is delightfully atmospheric — you can vividly picture pulsating white lights in a dingy, underground metal venue as silhouetted figures walk out on stage ready to tear the ever living fuck out of their show.
Second song “GOTHIKA” is nothing short of a classic Void Of Vision track. Full of signature Void staples, “GOTHIKA” includes a lightning-speed tempo throughout, Jon Deiley-esque electronics, Jack Bergin’s piercing aggressive vocals and savage seven-string riffs by James McKendrick and Mitch Fairlie. Drummer George Murphy is as powerful as ever on “GOTHIKA” and indeed CHRONICLES I: LUST as a whole — expect syncopated patterns galore and some super-tight drum production on this EP. “GOTHIKA” is without a doubt my favourite track released by Void Of Vision since their revision of “Year Of The Rat” featuring Thornhill frontman, Jacob Charlton.
“VAMPYR” is outrageously nasty. Seeping with spite, “VAMPYR” addresses the toxicity of abuse towards women within the Australian music industry. On “VAMPYR”, lyricist and frontman Jack Bergin comments: “I know for a fact that I have stood idle amongst a world full of dangerous men and their sycophants… but this isn’t about me, this is about how much more we can all be doing in our positions to actively create a safe space for women. You can neglect accountability, or wake up and ask yourself how it is all still happening in this day and age.” Instrumentally, the track is no less confrontational and crushing — disgustingly-low drop-tuned guitar passages synchronise with volatile percussive hits for a vehemently vicious listen.
Last, but by no means least, we have “THE LONELY PEOPLE” which debuted back in early September. Replete with relatable lyrics and a hyper-aggressive, rambunctious breakdown, “THE LONELY PEOPLE” is a surefire hit for Void Of Vision. Lines such as “Here we go into another downward spiral / Here we go / I’m about to let go” echo nihilistic sentiments, whereas killer breakdown callout “Can you feel it in your bones?” Is utterly laden with unrivalled angst. This EP is such an absurdly intense listen, and if that isn’t praise, I’m not sure what is.
Conclusively, there’s very little for me to fault with CHRONICLES I: LUST. Whilst another track or two would absolutely have not gone unappreciated, the promise of further additions in Void’s “CHRONICLES” series has me eager for more in the not-too-distant future. I also wasn’t expecting much — Void Of Vision are not a band known for particularly long records or EPs. CHRONICLES I: LUST is musically masterful, perfectly produced, extremely energetic and downright destructive. This is Void Of Vision at their finest yet.
CHRONICLES I: LUST is available now via UNFD, and you can purchase/stream the EP here. For more on Void Of Vision, UNFD bands and music in general, make Boolin Tunes your go-to.
9/10