DVNE’s trajectory in the world of progressive metal takes a fascinating turn with their latest offering, Voidkind. From the eerie synths that open the album to the monumental closer, DVNE constructs a vivid sonic universe that is as expansive as it is intense. This album, rich in narrative and musical complexity, marks a bold evolution from their previous work, Etemen Ænka.
The album sets off with ‘Summa Blasphemia’, a track that wastes no time immersing listeners into its apocalyptic lore. The guitars and drums are not just instruments here; they are ancient tomes of sound, bursting forth with a story to tell. Victor Vicart and Allan Paterson’s guitar work are impeccable, weaving a thick tapestry of riffs that are both brutal and intricate.
‘Eleonora’ unfolds like a cosmic odyssey. At over eight minutes, the track showcases DVNE’s ability to balance sheer power with melodic intricacies. The transition from clean, soaring vocals to guttural growls exemplifies the band’s dynamic range, anchored by Dudley Tait’s versatile drumming which can only be described as a rhythmic earthquake.
The narrative depth of Voidkind is profound. Tracks like ‘Reaching For Telos’ and ‘Reliquary’ are not just songs; they are chapters in an epic saga, exploring themes of destruction, resurrection, and transcendence. Daniel Barter’s vocals provide a raw, emotional layer to the already potent mix, especially on ‘Reliquary’, where his range from whispers to screams paints a vivid picture of turmoil.
Ambient interludes ‘Path of Dust’ and ‘Path of Ether’ serve as the calm within the storm. These tracks, each extending to about ninety seconds, provide a haunting respite from the album’s intensity, showcasing Maxime Keller’s skills on the keyboard, which add a spectral depth to the album’s sound architecture.
The penultimate track, ‘Plērōma’, is an aural journey from the ethereal to the earthbound, with synths that swirl and crescendo into an all-consuming riff. It’s a track that epitomizes DVNE’s skill in building and releasing tension, a sonic wave that carries the listener to the shores of the album’s final revelation, ‘Cobalt Sun Necropolis’.
‘Cobalt Sun Necropolis’ is a masterpiece of progressive metal, a ten-minute epic that combines every element DVNE has perfected throughout the album. It’s a fitting climax to Voidkind, encapsulating the band’s ability to craft songs that are as narratively compelling as they are musically robust. The track’s final minutes, a mixture of ferocious energy and lingering silence, leave a lasting impression of awe and wonder.
Voidkind is a testament to DVNE’s growth not only as musicians but as storytellers. The album’s production, handled adeptly by Graeme Young, with mastering by Magnus Lindberg, ensures that every note and nuance is crisply presented, from the deepest bass to the highest synth. The artwork by Felix Abel Klaer visually complements the music’s thematic depth, adding an extra layer of mystique.
DVNE has not merely produced an album; they have crafted an auditory world that begs exploration. Voidkind’s tracks are meticulous in their design and execution, with each song marking a point in a journey that is fantastical yet intensely personal. This album is a bold step forward in the band’s discography and a beacon for what progressive metal can achieve.
Rating: 9/10 – Voidkind is a compelling journey through the cosmos and the soul, beautifully brutal and intricately crafted, demanding multiple listens to truly appreciate its depth and craftsmanship. DVNE has set the bar high for the future of prog-metal, delivering an album that is not only powerful but profoundly moving.
Tracklist:
Summa Blasphemia 5:28
Eleonora 8:48
Reaching for Telos 5:23
Reliquary 7:46
Path of Dust 1:28
Sarmatæ 4:30
Path of Ether 1:30
Abode of the Perfect Soul 7:29
Plērōma 6:01
Cobalt Sun Necropolis 9:57
Voidkind credits:
Victor Vicart – guitars, keyboards, vocals
Allan Paterson – guitars, bass
Dudley Tait – drums
Daniel Barter – vocals
Maxime Keller – keyboards, vocals
Occasional Live Member:
Alexandros Keros – bass
Recorded at Craigiehall Temple and Byres Farm, Scotland
Recorded and mixed by Graeme Young
Assistant engineer: Robyn Dawson
Mastered by Magnus Lindberg at Redmount Studios
Produced by DVNE & Graeme Young
Artwork by Felix Abel Klaer
DVNE discography:
Progenitor EP (Wasted State, 2013)
Aurora Majesty EP (Sea Of Corruption/Wasted State 2014)
Asheran LP (Wasted State 2017)
Etemen Ænka LP (Metal Blade Records 2021)
Cycles Of Asphodel EP (Metal Blade Records 2022)
Voidkind LP (Metal Blade Records 2024)
More Info:
https://www.songsofarrakis.com
https://www.facebook.com/DvneUK
https://www.instagram.com/dvne_uk
https://songs-of-arrakis.bandcamp.com
DVNE Live:
4/23/2024 The Cluny – Newcastle, UK w/ Sleemo
4/24/2024 Brudenell — Leeds, UK w/ Sleemo
4/25/2024 Voodoo Daddies – Norwich, UK w/ Sleemo
4/26/2024 Green Door Store – Brighton, UK w/ Sleemo
4/27/2024 The Exchange – Bristol, UK w/ Sleemo
4/28/2024 Devils Dog – Birmingham, UK w/ Sleemo
5/04/2024 Headbangers – Ball Izegem, BE w/ Conjurer
5/05/2024 P8 – Karlsruhe, DE w/ Conjurer
5/07/2024 Casseopia – Berlin, DE w/ Conjurer
5/08/2024 Rosenkeller – Jena, DE w/ Conjurer
5/09/2024 Schon Schön – Mainz, DE w/ Conjurer
5/10/2024 Dunk Festival – Ghent, BE
5/11/2024 Hall Of Fame – Tilburg, NL w/ Conjurer
5/16/2024 La Belle Angele – Edinburgh, UK
5/19/2024 Desertfest, – London, UK
5/22/2024 Le Ferrailleur – Nantes, FR w/ My Diligence
5/23/2024 Le Confort Moderne – Poitiers, FR w/ My Diligence
5/24/2024 Le Rex – Toulouse, FR w/ My Diligence
5/26/2024 L’Antirouille – Montpellier, FR w/ My Diligence
5/28/2024 Les Caves du Manoir – Martigny, CH w/ My Diligence
5/29/2024 Amperage – Grenoble, FR w/ My Diligence
5/30/2024 La Laiterie – Strasbourg, FR w/ My Diligence
5/31/2024 Black Lab – Lille, FR w/ My Diligence
6/01/2024 Le Petit Bain – Paris, FR w/ My Diligence
6/02/2024 Club Zentral – Stuttgart, DE
6/04/2024 Rockhouse – Salzburg, AT
6/05/2024 Dürer Kert – Budapest, HU
6/06/2024 Escape – Vienna, AT
6/08/2024 Mystic Festival – Gdansk, PL
6/09/2024 Into The Grave Festival – Leeuwarden, NL
6/11/2024 Le Botanique – Brussels, BE w/ My Diligence
6/19/2024 Copenhell – Copenhagen, DK
