The Crash Landing - Vektor - Black Future

[About2Crash]

Vektor - Black Future - 2009



David Disanto - Vocals, Guitars
Erik Nelson - Guitars
Frank Chin - Bass
Blake Anderson - Drums

Progressive Thrash Metal

Thrash metal is an odd thing these days. On one hand, it is the basis of modern heavy metal. Sure, the roots draw to your Judas Priests and Iron Maidens but today's era was shaped by the likes of bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. For better or for worse, with the death of nu metal came the revival in thrash. Whether it be in production and riffage with a hardcore twist ala Lamb of God or a full out crossover worshipping Municipal Waste thrash is in full swing. Unfortunately, like all music... most of it sucks. For every band paying tribute to the gods while still adding their own flair you are guaranteed to have at least a dozen rip off bands who think that being in a thrash band is all about nonsensical riffage and high top sneakers. Remember, regardless of genre whether it be black metal or rap, songwriting is the number one most important part. Anybody can write a thrash riff. Hell, anybody can write twenty thrash riffs together, add it up to three minutes, and call it a song.

The new generation of thrash has taken this in vast amounts, offering plenty of head banging goodness, but leave much to be desired on record. In a live environment a band like Municipal Waste can put on a show better than anyone but when it comes to home listening it's either the skip or eject button. Bands like Metallica and Megadeth were able to not only write exceptionally chunky riffs, but they were also able to put them into songs that mattered and were worth listening to. What happened?

I'm not sure where it went, but if there is an answer in today's thrash marketplace it lies in the hands of Vektor. A young band from Phoenix, Arizona who have been climbing up the ranks and cutting their chops alongside labelmates Exmortus.

But what makes Vektor and their label debut "Black Future" so special? All you have to do is listen. The album is filled with riffs played at breakneck speed, a tasteful rhythm section, all topped off with David Disanto's signature vocals. From the opening of the title track to the mystic wonders in "Forests of Legend" all the way to the final notes of "Accelerating Universe" it is apparent that we are dealing with a completely different beast then before in the thrash scene.

Guitarists Erik Nelson and David Disanto are destined to be one of the great duo's with nearly every song climaxing in an epic duel of whammy bar dives and sweep arpeggios. Better yet, both players styles are vastly different and within a few listens the listener should be able to differentiate each at every instance. This is never better shown than at the end of "Hunger For Violence", a furious thrash track that sticks to the point and never lets up. Other guitar highlights would include the riffage of "Oblivion" and "Destroying the Cosmos" and of course the three epics.

And what epics they are. "Forests of Legend", "Dark Nebula", and "Accelerating Universe" all clocking in at over ten minutes a piece are all impressive and all grand in scope with the songwriting to back up a length of time few bands dare to tread. Luckily, the band is not afraid of letting up on the thrash for clean sections and interludes, something that most bands forget is an option. In this way it can almost be compared to such thrash epics as "Master of Puppets" or "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due". Similarities to the sci fi thrash band Voivod are obvious from the logo to the themes, but Vektor brings new light to the ideas rather than just copying them. Expect to be taken from the information in our DNA on to the darkest and deepest of black holes.

All of this is evened out by extremely fitting bass by Frank Chin who can round out the sound like the best of Steve Harris imitators while still keeping his role as foundation alongside Blake Anderson, an especially creative drummer who does exactly what is needed and nothing more.

In reality, I could not praise the album more. I have no complaints or grievances to give although I do recognize aspects of the record and band others could find. The biggest polarization of listeners would be Disanto's vocals which sound like Chuck Schuldiner if he had smoked cloves. On occasion he goes into an epic (others would say silly) shriek which would make King Diamond blush. I personally love them and think that the vocals create a completely original sound for the band and carve out a niche with only enough room for them and those along for the ride. Others may not like them, that's up for you to decide. Another complaint one could come up with would be the song length. Thrash is known for being blunt and to the point and while this record offers up just as much head banging as the next it is possible to grow tiresome. A prog lover like me though should have absolutely no problem adapting to the length of the songs. If anything it's just more to enjoy.

Having been a fan of the band for the better part of five years now I will stay with my prediction that big things are ahead of Vektor. Maybe they won't be the next Trivium or Lamb of God. But everybody in the know will recognize the talent and dedication it takes to play and write such intricate and challenging music.

Songs that Slay: All! But Forests of Legend in particular gets the most repeats.

[N00bs]

Great review, very good album. They have a bright future.

[Amok]

It's one of those CD's that if someone were to let be borrow it, I'd gladly listen, but I wouldn't go out and buy it.

[locusmortis]

Isn't my thing unfortunately,i tried it though.

[Ryukin]

i havent heard the whole thing yet, but the songs i have heard are great. vektor always lacked production. all of their demos are unlistenable, but this album sounds good enough to get the brilliance across. a welcome change. i have seen them live 3 or 4 times in the phoenix/los angeles areas. every time they deliver the knockout punch. nobody wants to follow vektor. and as for drums, blake makes me look like an amateur. a hack. a wannabe. the guitars are incredibly tight and while both guys can solo, erik nelson is the master shredder. i would see them again if i had the chance and i will certainly track down this album.

[About2Crash]

Haha, pitting with Ryukin was definitely a fun time. It will happen again!!!

[herrieman]

I will enter the pit with you too, Crash
I will check this album out. And come back to the thread.

[Ryukin]

album tracked down. very cool. somehow i think they play even faster live.

[Erik]

I have respect for Vektor. They do something different with what is already given. this new wave of thrash has produced a lot of copy cat bands (Warbringer and even Havok to some extent remind me of Slayer, Kreator etc). I might buy their album eventually but, its not on the top of my list right now. Nice review Crash.

[Acid_Burn_420]

Killer album..took me a minute to get used to Disantos crazy high pitched squeals, but it grew on me quick...seems to suite the songs somehow...Accelerating Universe is a great album closer track. The trippy spacey interlude in the song reminds me of "Astronomy Domine" or "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" by Pink Floyd. Awesome stuff, good review.

[Marsallah]

I fucking love this album. So far I only have it downloaded, but I will surely get down to buying it soon.

I won't repeat Crash's praises, but I gotta say I love the oldschool approach, visionary songwriting and the atmosphere of the album.

Any cons? Well, the title song and Hunger for Violence sound a bit too simplistic and raw in the context of the whole album. And the one song which I have problems with: Dark Nebula. If the whole 10+ minutes were as awesome as the closing 3-4 mins...

But on the whole this is a great album. For a big Chuck Schuldiner's fan like me evoking the spirit of Death in a natural way, with own ideas, is especially important.

Best part of the album: high pitched vocals in Accelerating Universe. Love 'em or hate 'em!

[Wigg]

Buying the album.

EDIT: The website wanted $29 for postage. Errr, no. I'll wait for another method.

[Ryukin]

my one major complaint from a production aspect is that the snare drum was overly muffled. a minor one is that a lot of the lead guitar work could have used a little more delay or chorus or something. sounds very raw... although maybe thats what they were going for.

[Marsallah]

Originally Posted by Ryukin

sounds very raw... although maybe thats what they were going for.

Ooooh, I love how raw it sounds. It makes the music sound even more old school, which I find superb. The production is still very clear, but not as awfully clean as on e.g. Death's Symbolic (ugh...).

[About2Crash]

I have told Erik (lead guitar player) all of your comments and he is thrilled to hear that you guys enjoy the album so much!

[Amok]

Originally Posted by About2Crash

I have told Erik (lead guitar player) all of your comments and he is thrilled to hear that you guys enjoy the album so much!

Get a pic of him drinking Pepsi Max with a sign that says, "Thank you, Amok, for making this! That'd be bonerrific.

[About2Crash]

I can arrange that.

[Marsallah]

I played Dark Nebula and Accelerating Universe on our living room stereo yesterday and my wife said that she likes the music and even the vocals don't disturb her. I was shocked, cause she hates all "unnatural" vocals - growling, screeching, all that.

Vektor's vocals remind me of Death totally, I'd call them dry growling, yet Ania says they don't sound too forced. Good for me, cause I play this record every day, although mostly at work and on my walkman.

[Ryukin]

the high pitched squeals seem subdued on the album. probably because disanto was distorting the mic diaphram and had to stand back like 4 feet. those things are actually quite loud and project very well. it IS unnatural. but somehow it works.

[Erikwithafro]

I'm glad all of you are enjoying the album so much.

Thanks for the great review Jason!