Vis Vires
Inside The Hate
6.9
Vis Vires comes to us from down south, in Atlanta – a city on the rise in metal. There are a few notable bands I know of, mainly Lilitu, Mastodon, and Demoncy, three bands that are quite dissimilar. Vis Vires bear a minor resemblance to Lilitu, in song structuring and vocal styles.
They are led by frontman Alexi Aleister (a fine metal name), who shreds up a storm, and drummer Chad Gilbert, both of whom are grads of the Atlanta Institute of Music. Naturally, they can play. They toe the line between metal and rock, while having select moments of old-school 80’s metal, punk, “modern hardcore”, and prog rock. In whole, it’s a musical mixture that takes a couple of listens to appreciate, but to my surprise, I’m enjoying it.
Alexi also sings on this, and sing he does. All the vocals, with the exception of a few background screams, are quite high-pitched, more than you’d expect. He won’t be challenging Halford to a glass-shattering contest, but it still may turn people off. Sometimes it sounds like he’s trying too hard. He also overreaches on the guitar, but I’m a sucker for shredding. His leads are over-the-top melodic, to the point where he probably takes a guitar into the john, just in case inspiration strikes. But they will never be faulted for being insincere.
Finger-tapping leads into the first track, “Like a Ghost”, a hard rock song with massive soloing. “Your Hands” really sparks the Lilitu resemblance to my ears, with the well-placed screaming over a mellow verse and the vocal cadence, although Vis Vires is a bit more upbeat. Feel free to sing along to that chorus, while you’re at it. The title track brings the album to a monumental close, with a modern long ballad. Clean guitar caresses the ear for a couple of minutes before a gradual rise to a serious of climaxes. From there it’s just an extended jam session for Alexi.
Inside the Hate is one of the better independent albums I’ve reviewed, and the production is commendable for a self-released act, although I believe their bassist Lee has producing experience. This album has insidiously implanted its sugary melodies onto my cerebrum, while suppressing my cheese-defense mechanisms. For that, I must applaud Vis Vires. Check them out, especially if you’re from the Peach State.
