Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, and sharing members with Municipal Waste, it’s fair to say that Volture is more than experienced when it
comes to great metal. After a quick EP in 2011, the band is back with their
debut, “On The Edge”, and it is exactly what you might expect, minus one
unfortunate exception. The band has recruited new vocalist Jack Bauer. While he
has his moments (see the delivery of the “Can’t you see that we are out of time”
phrases in the title track), his delivery is too dry for me. Maybe it’s because
he doesn’t sound like your standard traditional heavy metal vocalist, but he
comes across as grating, and actively battles the listener’s enjoyment of the
music.
With that out of the way, what remains is very competent,
predictable heavy metal. “On The Edge” opens with the enjoyable high-speed
burst of energy title track that is all too common, but as you might also
expect, it is one of the stronger tracks on the record. The tempo does tend to
vary, with some tracks leaning towards a stomping, headbanging inducing charge
(“Heat Seeker”). Other songs, however, follow the title track. “Ride The Nite”
uses a common downpicking speedy riff to satisfice you, but it somehow feels
empty. “Desert Pursuit” also uses plenty of chugging (the good kind), while
leaving some space for Bauer to wail in the chorus. It isn’t until “Brethren of
the Coast” that the album picks up steam again, with a flashy riff that ups the
tempo further. The song also displays one of the few moments of Bauer’s
vocals that doesn’t get on my nerves, as he soars in a catchy sing-along
moment. Harmonized lead guitars later emulate a similar section that would be
perfect in a live setting. The remaining songs provide some good moments, but
nothing particularly new or interesting. “Hot Wired” is another riff assault,
and probably one of the more impressive songs. “Heat Seeker” likewise provides
more material that is good for rocking out and getting lost in. The most impressive display of lead guitar
work comes “Nightrance”, which is filled both with extensive guitar solos and
dual-guitar patterns.
“On The Edge” is a good record for what it is trying to accomplish,
but it doesn’t click for me. The songs lack the enthusiasm and staying power
that bands like White Wizzard and Holy Grail achieve effortlessly. It isn’t for
lack of trying on my part; I’ve listened to “On The Edge” numerous times, and I
will continue to come back to it, but traditional heavy metal is normally a very
easy genre to get into, and Volture is testing me as best as they can. Perhaps
a better singer would solve the issue, but sometimes the songs just aren’t up
to par.
Highlights
"On The Edge"
"Brethren of the Coast"
"Hot Wired"
Final Rating
3.9/5 or 78%.