Sometimes, you wait for an album and it turns out just okay—or even disappointing. But other times, an album comes along that completely surpasses expectations. Friend of a Phantom, the latest release from Danish prog-metal band VOLA, is definitely the latter. This album is incredibly well-crafted, filled with masterful songwriting, and captivating melodies throughout.
Formed in Copenhagen in 2006, VOLA quickly carved out a unique space in prog metal. Their debut, Inmazes (2015), introduced a dense, layered sound; Applause of a Distant Crowd (2018) followed with a more melodic approach, exploring themes like technology and isolation. Their popularity soared with Witness (2021), featuring hit tracks like “Straight Lines” and “24 Light Years,” where they leaned into a heavier sound while tackling social and political issues. Now, with Friend of a Phantom, VOLA has taken their artistry even further.
The only downside to this album might be its brevity, with just nine tracks clocking in around 40 minutes. Yet every moment is compelling, with each track a potential hit. VOLA’s tendency to avoid solos and lengthy instrumental breaks is here even more restrained, but the album still packs rhythmic heaviness and intricate layers in all the right places.
The album opens with its heaviest track, “Cannibal,” featuring In Flames’ Anders Fridén on aggressive vocals. This is a perfect mix of VOLA’s melodic and heavy sides packed into five explosive minutes. “Break My Lying Tongue” showcases the band’s signature synth-led sound, while “We Will Not Disband” and “Bleed Out” represent VOLA’s proggier side with standout drumming from Adam Janzi. The closing track, “Tray,” is a short yet epic piece that wraps up the album beautifully, leaving you wanting more.
Some of the best songs, however, are the atmospheric, softer ones like “Glass Mannequin” and “I Don’t Know How We Got Here,” where vocalist Asger Mygind truly shines. His distinctive voice and skillful harmonies elevate these tracks, creating moments that only VOLA could deliver.
Maybe the album’s brilliance lies in its brevity and immediacy, compelling you to hit repeat again and again. While it’s tough to say if Friend of a Phantom is VOLA’s best work, it’s certainly in the running. If you love melody with your prog metal, no one does it better than VOLA. Friend of a Phantom is hands down one of the best albums of the year.
Released on Nov. 1st, 2024
Order here: https://volaband.bandcamp.com/album/friend-of-a-phantom
FRIEND OF A PHANTOM
Track Listing:
1. Cannibal (feat. Anders Fridén of In Flames)
2. Break My Lying Tongue
3. We Will Not Disband
4. Glass Mannequin
5. Bleed Out
6. Paper Wolf
7. I Don’t Know How We Got Here
8. Hollow Kid
9. Tray
Line-up / Musicians
Asger Mygind / lead vocals, guitar
Martin Werner / keyboards
Nicolai Mogensen / bass
Adam Janzi / drums
With:
Anders Fridén / vocals (1)
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