Metal is a unique genre. It is synonymous with heavy guitars, slamming drums and a darker tone than more mainstream sounds. Vovkulaka takes this darkness and runs with it in a collection of tracks that defines an appealing sinister aesthetic. Make no mistake, Vovkulaka brings tunes that will make your headbang.
The dark instrumentals are a defining feature of Vovkulaka. The band has a knack for creating delightfully vile sounding riffs in each track, along with percussions that only prop them up. Whether slamming with the drums, or sloshing around them next to the bass, the impact on tracks such as “Purple Door” or “My Devil” can not be denied. The vocals compliment this direction with their own dark qualities.
“Defy You” puts singer Volk front and center on the track. The chorus is catchy and his delivery on lines such as “deny me, despise me, feel the rage inside me” are raspy and venom-laced. “My Devil” is also a vocally magnetizing track. Another track with a memorable chorus, but more so for its aesthetic than anything else. “I was possessed by her” and “I love my Lucifer” sounds amazing laced in the static between screams of “my devil!” It adds a tormented aspect to the track, which drives the overall devilish flavor of the band home.
The electronic influence is in nearly every track, but the dubstep mix of “Darkness Calling” is where it comes into its own. The track uses its synths sparingly to create an industrial feel that doesn’t overtake the metal instrumental. That is, until right after the two-minute mark. The dubstep breakdown is wavy and hyper, adding a mind-bending element to the track before seamlessly moving back into its comfort zone.
The defined, dark aesthetic of Vovkulaka is surprisingly delightful. The instrumentals always work together to prop up parts of each track to make them pop. From the vocals to the robust arrangements, any one of Vovkulaka’s tracks make a great listen for the metal fan. After such an offering, you’ll eagerly await a full album or EP release.
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