Cyberpunk pioneer William Gibson once declared "The future is here, it's just unevenly distributed", and over two decades ago we saw the first faltering attempts of the Metal community to redress the balance.
In a fit of pre-millennial zeal, and with few exceptions, bands tried and failed miserably to retain relevance and embrace the modernity of the age. Ruining respected reputations with MDMA-drenched embarrassments and tiresome techno butchering of once-good songs. After the glowsticks faded and the fugue of the future took hold, it's no wonder their successors looked back to simpler times - and simpler sounds - for inspiration.
But it is the business of the future to be dangerous. Evoking the neon-clad nightmare of a November 2019 that never came to be, Germany's Lord Vigo expand on their Epic Doom Metal repertoire with 'Dance de Noir'. A timely work that invites the listener to question their humanity.
Drawing heavily from the Tech Noir dystopia of the 1980s, but remaining thoroughly fresh, the riffage is complemented by a synth-heavy undercurrent. It's all too easy for keyboards to diffuse the raw potency of distorted guitar, and this new direction may perturb more traditional sensibilities. Yet, as vocals soar and the first sonorous bell peels through the title track, you know you're firmly in Doom territory. Just with new elements to embellish the overall soundscape, and some excellent (and audible) bass-work to bolster the mix.
Not to say there aren't surprises, with some tracks spawning danceable earworms worthy of Grave Pleasures or any number of gothier acts. But a grandiose sincerity rings out across the album, culminating in (what else?) a call to remember the inevitability of death. A theme reflected in Peter Gric's evocative album artwork, melding technology and death in macabre unison.
A vision of a future past, and well worth slamming on repeat.
