Voyag3r –
Victory in the Battle Chamber (2013)
Bellyache
Records
Review by
Jude Felton
When it comes
to movies I’d, by far, much rather have a score as the soundtrack, as opposed
to individual bands. As much as I like death metal et al, I don’t really want
to hear it blaring away while I’m viewing a film. That’s partly why I enjoy a
lot of movies from the 70s and 80s; some of the most memorable scores come from
those decades. The movies of John Carpenter, most of the stuff coming out of
Italy and even Vince DiCola’s work on Rocky 4, among many others, all stick in
the mind to this very day.
Hailing from
Detroit rock city, Voyag3r (pronounced Voyager 3) have embraced these very
scores and movies and in turn created their own musical soundscapes. Now,
Victory in the Battle Chamber is not a soundtrack from any film, but both tunes
contained on this 7” very well could be. Hell, the title and artwork alone conjures up the
video heyday of Cannon Video and Mad Max, and the music delivers in spades.
There may only be two songs here, but I can assure you that if you’re a fan of
the aforementioned styles and artists, you’ll lap this up.
Consisting of
Steve Greene (Synthesizers), Greg Mastin (Drums) and Aaron Greene (Guitars), Voyag3r
take you on a musical voyage back to a time long since passed, unfortunately,
in film. Listening to Victory in the Battle Chamber you are going to hear a
definite John Carpenter vibe, but also Tangerine Dream, Vangelis and DiCola. It’s
a bloody joy to listen to, as a film score fan, and the Synthesizer is king
(without overshadowing the guitar or drum work).
That’s not to
say that this will only appeal to the movie geek out there, even though they
should lap it up, as the music is top-notch. Both tunes, the title track and
Hunted Becomes Hunter, are multi-layered, textured and almost dream-like
excursions in a world where the hero battles valiantly to achieve his or her
goal. This is Snake Plissken, Joe T. Armstrong (look it up!) and the like
kicking ass and taking names, and making it look good accompanied by a killer
score.
Do yourself a
favor and order yourself the 7” (linked below), which also comes with a digital
copy, while you have the chance. There are only 500 copies available, and I’ve
already ordered one of them! One thing that Victory in the Battle Chamber has
succeeded in, aside from kick-ass music, is get me ready and waiting for a
full-length release. Hopefully the wait won’t be too long.
Track List:
1. Victory in the Battle Chamber
2. Hunted Becomes Hunter
Victory in the Battle Chamber is released on limited edition 7" vinyl by Bellyache Records on June 4th.
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