Victorians are a Polish symphonic metal band with an eye to becoming the Polish answer to Therion and a deep love of the 19th century. No strangers to the notion of high concept, ‘Aristocrats’ symphony’ is a bold, colourful piece of work that highlights the band’s lyrical and musical skill over ten exotic tracks that weave elements from Therion, the gathering, Within Temptation and Nightwish into a beguiling sonic tapestry that is as grand as the cover art that adorns the digi pack in which the album is housed. As visually appealing a band as you could wish for, Victorians have crafted an entire world for themselves and their fans, and this latest album has not just the atmosphere but the music to reach a wider audience.
Opening with ‘Descent of your destiny’ you are instantly drawn into a world of rich variety. Eastern themes abound in the music, with the guitars powerful but never over-powering the orchestral elements that are shot through the music. Musically very tight, what really impresses are the vocals which are delivered with just the right mix of passionate intensity and restraint. It is a fine performance throughout and the lyrics have clearly had a lot of thought put into them, making you want to listen carefully to what is being said. ‘In the end (love me now)’, is similarly appealing, the echoing piano giving way to a chugging guitar line and powerful chorus. It is a well-trodden manoeuvre for this style of music, but expertly done and when you reach the epic grandeur of ‘voice of eternal love’ with its twee instrumentation you’ll be utterly hooked by the sheer verve with which the band deliver their sumptuously melodic metal. A clear highlight from early on in the album, ‘who never loved’ is a bombastic piece that is part Nightwish, part Terminator soundtrack with its crunching guitars and powerful emotional punch in the lyrical climax. You can easily imagine it being a live favourite whilst the prospect of seeing the band play with a full orchestra (as well as their stunning costumes) is mouthwatering indeed – one can but hope.
Given the power of Victorians to reel the listener in, ‘Sirens’ could be an apt description of the band themselves whereas it transpires to be a beautifully orchestrated track that opens with an intro as delicate as snowfall before spreading its wings via a rampaging guitar riff and hard-edged percussion. It’s a broadly ambitious track that showcases the wealth of ideas and talent within Victorians and it also provides a neat counterpoint to the epic metal of ‘who never loved’. ‘Servants of beauty’ is a return to heavier pastures, with fast paced drumming and surging guitars heading neatly into power metal territory for a song that bursts with barely-repressed excitement and emotion. ‘Prince of night’ is a dark, highly charged romance that rests its head on plush red velvet as pointed teeth draw blood from veins whilst the music whirls and dances in the moonlight. The guitars are still prevalent – supercharged and burning brightly in the darkness – but the classical elements here lead the melody whilst the vocals ache with lust and loss. Once again opting for a soundtrack feel (think Hans Zimmer’s bombastic work), ‘don’t let them cut my wings’ is a folk-influenced cry from the heart that has you racing across acres of open countryside as the music pulls you ever onward. ‘Juliet’s tale’ has a strong Nightwish feel to it, the martial drums, fast-paced guitar riffs and epic orchestral feel all serving to remind the listener of ‘Dark Passion Play’ before ‘creed’ rounds out the album with one final, folky blast of wonderfully warm, full-blooded symphonic metal. It’s a fine finale to an album that often strives to break out of the boundaries set by previous acts.
The symphonic metal genre is a difficult one to innovate within. The narrow confines set by scene leaders such as Nightwish and Within Temptation are so ingrained upon the consciousness that it is difficult to manoeuvre and yet, with their beautiful costumes, intelligent lyrical approach and bold vision, Victorians endeavour to carve their own path within the genre. They don’t always succeed – tracks such as ‘Juliet’s tale’ tread a familiar route, although it is very well done – but when they do, as on the phenomenal ‘who never loved’ the results are spectacular. Fans of the genre will undoubtedly fall head over heels in love with the band’s charmingly warm sound and whilst those previously unconvinced by symphonic metal are unlikely to change their mind over this release, there is no doubt that this is a superior album that has much to offer. Well worth exploring, Victorians have crafted an album that is as sumptuous as their artwork.
Like the sound of Victorians? Find out more here. (site includes audio samples)
