Univers
Having been together in various forms since 1999 Australia’s Voyager unfold their latest release since their first effort “Element V”
New record “Univers” is an 11 track offering of progressive music combined with power metal with hints of folk. There’s also a strong emphasis on keyboards and electronic sounds, which do add a whole new texture to the compositions. The contrast between the dark metal and the elevating electronic sounds add to an already unusual listen. With that and the constantly changing tempo and style its quite difficult to keep up with this sound, there’s one minute of dark deathlike growls and metal riffing, followed by a splash of folk and uplifting synth. To me this feels a bit unconnected, although they manage to blend all these elements into the same track. The use of technology and simple instrumentation like this is something that does feel quite unique and original, however I’m just not personally feeling the connection between them. I guess this is something you learn to open yourself up to. Ignoring this and it’s impossible to deny that musically this is a very intelligent offering with a lot of thought and effort gone in to produce this sound. Although it may not be for everyone I don’t think this is something Voyager will be concerned with. They know that they are creating music for a niche market and if they make an impact in this world then that’s probably all they need.
For me listening to Voyager was a strange experience, their music confused me and I found it difficult to connect the constant changes in sound. As I have not been familiar with this genre, I was initially taken aback. In my opinion it felt too crowded as if there were too many ideas and not enough room to cram them all in. but all this means is that “Univers” is an incredibly varied piece of work. The combination of folk, metal riffs and synthesisers seemed extravagant to say the least. On a second listen however I became more open to what Voyager are trying to do and I understand why the fans of this genre will appreciate “Univers”. It definitely includes everything a fan of the progressive power metal genre could ask for, the melody, the riffs, the catchy choruses and the dark progressive undertones. To sum up it is a very intelligent blend of melodic power metal and will be appreciated by anyone who has a passion for this genre. I’m still not convinced about the folk though.