Like with their last record a three year wait brings us Friend of A Phantom (Mascot Label Group), the new album from those musically restless Scandinavians VOLA. Their fourth album serves up more of their dynamic wall of sound, which mixes Metal heaviness, Prog Rock changeability, in your face electronica and radio friendly hooks.

Like 2021s Witness and the hefty “Straight Lines,” F.O.A.P opens with “Cannibal” a heavy bruiser of a track with a sweet chorus which will not leave my head – complemented by the hearty vocals of Anders Friden of In Flames fame. Electronica and metal live side by side on single “Break My Lying Tongue,” frenetic drumming and a nonstop thrum of guitars share a space with a hyperactive chorus and abrasive, dance music synths. Lead single “Paper Wolf” is of a similar ilk, with a slow burning hook sitting atop a bed of constantly undulating synths and a subtle sense of menace.

Their admirable dislike of inertia means they achieve that rarest of balancing acts, being recognisable yet refreshing. “We Will Not Disband” is a delicate interplay between airy pop and primal, bass twanging metal that is their bread and butter. On “Bleed Out,” cold and bizarre electronic sections take you on a journey from smooth melodies to a visceral metallic stomp, all the while featuring their satisfyingly fat guitar and bass sound.

There is a vein of melancholy to this record as well, especially on the second half. The nihilistic “Hollow Kid,” with its heavy stomp, moody piano and plaintive “the kid remains hollow” refrain grows in power. This is followed by the soft, eighties inspired melancholia of “Tray,” an alternative ballad with bittersweet vocal harmonies and horror film-like synths floating in and out.

Friend Of A Phantom is yet another sterling offering from this prog metal quartet, which marries their Djent (horrible word) sound to their capacity for an earworm and keen sense of experimentation.

Buy the album here:
https://lnk.to/Vola-MLG

8 / 10
THOMAS THROWER
Follow his work here: