To use a known basis with experimental traces is a very good solution when a band or musicians is looking for something different from the usual (again: the early ones on a tendency have an easier path ahead than the others). As an example: the fusion between the melodies and weight of Metal with Hardcore/Punk Rock energy and fast playing created Thrash Metal, and influenced a lot other extreme Metal genres. And some experiences on this way are still being done, as heard on VØLUS’ music. Just a bit on “Merciful the Dying Light” and the hearers will get the idea. At the first, one can say that the band’s music is based solely on a mix between Old School Death Metal and Blackened Death Metal (with some Brutal Death Metal traits, as the low tunes on the guttural voices, and some technical touches on the instrumental parts), but a deeper hearing will show that something different is on the core of their work. It’s simple: influences inherited from what is known as Noisecore (a derivative of Hardcore based on noisy elements, being raw and lo-fi, and chaotic as well).

Using extreme low grunts (with some snarls and screams) and driven by insane guitars, with bass guitar and drums guided fast (and slow) rhythms, some experimental keyboards (pay attention to the Progressive Death Metal/Jazz like intro on “Blasphemies Infernal Strife”), the music offered by Vølus (the sole member of VØLUS) will find fans in the extreme Metal ways, but it demands a second and even third experience to be used to it. The sonority of “Merciful the Dying Light” is very good, allowing the fans to understand what’s being played without problems, with definition on a high level (without leaving aside the ‘greasy’ and raw appeal of Death Metal’s models for sonority). It’s good, indeed, but the band’s music demands a bit more.

As a fourth full-length, “Merciful the Dying Light” has a lot to offer to the fans, but it points that the band’s music is still maturing (what’s not a sin at all). Musically, “Crowns of Ulthar”, “Sanity Forsaken” (very good slow parts can be heard, filled with good guitar riffs and experimental traces, with solid bass guitar and drums presence), “Blasphemies Infernal Strife” (elements of Progressive Death Metal can be heard on this one, with charming keyboards moments), “Merciful the Dying Light” (very good shrieked snarls and hooking tempos), “Hissing Dissent”, “Revengeance of Blood” and “Between Two Fires” (very good piledriving drums are heard here) are here for those who wants a different experience on such tendencies.

“Merciful the Dying Light” is a very good release, and the fans of extreme Metal ways must pay attention to VØLUS’ work for sure.