Void Vator | Stranded

by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —

Hyper-polished Rock/Metal sucks. It just does. With technology today making everything so over-produced and antiseptic, it’s a spastic joy to hear a band like Void Vator just bring out the guitars and come at you with testosterone-laced compositions with no frills attached. It’s a dirty, grimy, alcohol-fueled journey all the way through the new Void Vator EP, Stranded.

Hailing from California, the quartet has in its ranks one of the coolest guitarists around, Erik Kluiber. The lucky ones remember him from his days in Overloaded, just an insanely talented group that never got its fair shake, as well as his time in White Wizzard and of late, Gypsyhawk. He never truly seemed inspired (or even happy) in the last two bands, but along with fellow guitarist and lead singer Lucas Kanopa, you can feel the sheer authenticity and controlled mayhem on this short but worthy EP ride.

Opening with “Toxic Waste,” it’s hard not to give the guys a comparison to a heavier, meaner Foo Fighters. It sounds like Dave Grohl had some songwriting mind meld with Void Vator, but as stated, it’s just got more Barry Bonds-like steroid rage in every note. The riffs carry the track along and like most of their songs, the chorus is a headbanging sing-a-long party.

Titled after the second track, “Stranded,” is owns a bit more of a sexual groove than the first song, while Kanopa walks the line between singing and shouting during the chorus. If you seen them live or watched any live clips, the studio doesn’t do the band justice as to what they create and demolish in a live setting, but the songs can stand alone anywhere. With two accomplished guitarists in the band, you’d think there might be more leads and solos, but it’s really about the band and songwriting with Void Vator, which is the exact formula you need to succeed.

“Inside Out” is the most radio-friendly song on Stranded. It’s also the best. While never compromising a note to make vanilla listeners happy, it does again sound like a harder Foo Fighters track, just with more of a focus on the guitars. The guitar solo gives you some insight that if the band want to be masturbatory in their talent, they could be, but again, it’s all about the song itself with Void Vator.

“Come to Hand” brings Stranded to an end, and it somehow wields a weird, almost ’70s vibe to the vocals while having Thrash underpinnings, frantic riffing and searing leads. The lyrics are dark as hell, with ideas like, “You come to hand, I use you. Even though I want to abuse you,” and hitting you with the mantra, “I am your master, I come before. I am your master, I’m thinking for you.” Ladies’ night, anyone?

While there is a recent resurgence in NWOTHM bands, Void Vator doesn’t fit that bill exactly. They are more like pared-down Rock/Metal, the way it was always meant to be played, zits and all. It’s not earnest, it’s not trying too hard, it’s just fun as hell. As it seems the band is always on tour, lets hope they are writing while on the road and can get us all a full-length sooner rather than later, but for now, Stranded whets the musical alcoholic’s whistle.

Genre: Metal/Rock

Band:
Lucas Kanopa – guitar, vocals
Erik Kluiber – guitar
Sam Harman – bass
German Moura – drums

Tracklisting:
1. Toxic Waste 04:19
2. Stranded 03:33
3. Put Away Wet 03:29
4. Inside Out 03:58
5. Nothing to Lose 03:42
6. Come to Hand 04:27

Label: Wurm Group

Online:
https://www.facebook.com/voidvator

Hardrock Haven rating: (8 / 10)