Release Date: November
12, 2013
Label: Dissonance Rising
Publisher
Describing
themselves as a “Brave, eccentric and chemically unstable… [and] a sunrise of
melodic cocaine for your ears. A Pandora's Box of exotic flavors mixed with
harsh textures that can only be described as human,” Vangough is the best
progressive metal band that you have probably never heard of before. I would
say that they are criminally unknown. Named after the famous Dutch painter,
Vangough come from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and consist of Clay Withrow
(guitar/vocals), Jeren Martin (bass), and Kyle Haws (drums).
Between the Madness is Vangough’s third
album and it is one for the ages. It is heavy, dark, and a seemingly
unrelenting release of creative energy. It is the type of music that gets
better with each listen and demands your attention every time. Backed by
powerful vocals, guitar driven melodies, and meaningful lyrics, Between the Madness is progressive metal
at its finest.
The
dark journey of Between the Madness beings
with “Afterfall.” It is a kaleidoscope of sound, like a journey through a
progressive metal version of Alice’s Wonderland. The music perfectly
complements the emotions conveyed through the vocals. “Alone” is another
striking song lead by its crushing music and powerful and personal lyrical
content. “Separation” is like listening to some type of controlled chaos. It is
an intense display of musicianship that will have you reeling when it is over.
With
its excellent guitar solo, “Infestation” is striking in its display of power. The
raw and primal energy just bleeds through the vocals, making for a lasting
impression. Following it up is “Schizophrenia” and, at this point, I am
convinced that I am in the presence of genius and am listening to a true
masterpiece. Vangough is not just about
a heavy, intense metal sound. The serene “Between the Madness” is a great change
of pace. A violin has never been more metal.
The
serenity is short-lived as songs such as “Vaudeville Nation” and “O Sister”
bring back the energetic and potent sound to make for some amazing and
unforgettable music. “Thy Consumed Flesh” is a thrilling instrumental with an absolutely
punishing sound. “Depths of Blighttown” is a short instrumental with an ominous
sound. “Useless” demonstrates what kind of interesting music they can create
and that they can still pull out surprises this far into the album, while
providing biting social commentary. “Corporatocracy” and “The Abyss” bring the
album home with Vangough’s signature sound, making for an album that is
completely stunning from start to finish.
Vangough”s
Between the Madness is a like a
soundtrack to a dark and twisted dream that I would never want to end. This
album showcases Vangough in top form and performing at their peak. It is
definitely a masterpiece and a work that deserves to be lauded the world over. I
can see without hesitation that this is a top-10 album of this year. These guys
are the future of progressive metal and Between
the Madness is the proof.
5/5
Stars
Key
Tracks: ALL
Tracks:
01.Afterfall
02.Alone
03.Separation
04.Infestation
05.Schizophrenia
06.Between the Madness
07.Vaudeville Nation
08.O Sister
09.Thy Consumed Flesh
10.Useless
11.Depths of Blighttown
12.Corporatocracy
13.The Abyss
01.Afterfall
02.Alone
03.Separation
04.Infestation
05.Schizophrenia
06.Between the Madness
07.Vaudeville Nation
08.O Sister
09.Thy Consumed Flesh
10.Useless
11.Depths of Blighttown
12.Corporatocracy
13.The Abyss
Brian McKinnon
July 14, 2014
Review
Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk
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