It’s always a delight stumbling across a band you didn’t previously know. It didn’t hurt that when I stumbled across Voices In Vain, I was whole-body enchanted. Something about the brutality of it felt so authentic. Like a rallying cry with which we can all associate. I looked ahead towards a stunning, screaming alpha-male (it always throws me, when they’re talented and beautiful). I found myself staring up from the ravenous pit as I happily fought for my footing.
Voices In Vain is a metal/hardcore hybrid from Vermont. I wandered into their show following the noise-kings of Intercourse around like a lost puppy. The beauty of whom I speak, Jeremy Urtz (vocals) is met by Lucas Tabshey (guitar), Scott Mullen (drums), Ross Temple (guitar), and Patrick Boccio (bass). The five-piece first came together in 2014. A year later, in 2015, the band released a self-titled debut EP. The five track collection starts vicious and mathy, on-brand for the whole of the quintet’s discography.
While their unique sound is often called metal or hardcore, this is a colossal oversimplification. Tracks all have the classic elements of both referenced genres but I also get a great deal of funk reminiscent of Grötüs back in 93’, and Faith No More. As often as it is fast and mathy, the music is meandering and progressive making for an interesting listen.
More recently, the gang put forth “Weight Of The Hammer”, released this year. Listeners are gifted a substantially evolved sound from that of their self-titled. Opening with syrupy, sexy riffs that lead to a thrashy, brutal cream-filling before ending on lovely, delicate notes from a single guitar.
Their efforts had not gone unrecognized with co-performers including the heavy-hitters of Knocked Loose and Drowningman. They have an upcoming show this Saturday November 20th at Vermont venue Higher Ground with Blind Tiger, Pons, Downswing, Dying Whale and Discrot, a not-to-miss affair.
Support the band and local venues by grabbing tickets online and make the drive if you can. If you like what you hear, grab some merch and tell them Bateman sent you.
