Voices of Extreme Break the Silence
by Alex Barbieri
Staff Writer
Voices of Extreme, or V.O.X. for short, have some impressive heavy metal pedigrees: Guitarist Rob Katrikh played with Doro Pesch and drummer John Macaluso toured with Yngwie Malmsteen, TNT and Riot. But it is bassist Bob Brennan’s association with Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain that has helped put V.O.X. on the hard rock radar. McBrain — who co-manages the band along with David Swales of Affinity Management — recently announced the release of Voices of Extreme’s second album, Breaking the Silence.
From the opening notes of “Damned,” it is clear V.O.X. is more modern rock than traditional metal. Imagine the croon of Maroon 5 coupled with the angst of Rage Against the Machine. This may give V.O.X. a real shot at breaking through to modern rock radio and getting the kids pogoing on next summer’s Vans Warped tour.
The real strength of V.O.X. lies in their collective musical abilities. Singer and founding member Don Chaffin emotes with the power and maturity of seasoned veterans like Chris Cornell and Daughtry. Drummer Macaluso is simply stellar on the skins, and guitarist Rob Katrikh and bassist Brennan keep it angry with their dropped-D, alt-metal riffing. But special mention needs to be made of keyboardist Mike Khalilov, who provides the album with some of its most unique and haunting moments. Well done on the minor key intro to “Break the Silence.”
“Tell Me What It Takes,” the first single off Break the Silence, has a killer hook and reminds a bit of Metallica’s “The Unforgiven.” “Apocalypse” picks up the pace with vocals akin to new Ozzy. On “Did It Again,” Macaluso does it again with impressive drum fills. The guitar intro to “Hollow” is so dissonantly annoying, it’s hard to get through the song, but the band recovers on “Made of Stone,” an impressive alt-rock power ballad. Hollywood agents take note: this song would make a great addition to the next superhero mega flick ala Nickelback’s “Hero” in Spiderman.
Voices of Extreme are an excellent band, and Breaking the Silence is better than average, but the band lacks that elusive X factor that makes them not just capable, but amazing. Some of the blame may lay with the production. Although interesting in its background effects and textures, it doesn’t give the band the power and punch they deserve. A shame, because V.O.X. probably rox live.
Before their third album, Voices of Extreme would do well to study some of the modern rock elite (hear Breaking Benjamin, Five Finger Death Punch, Shinedown, Stone Sour). Maybe next time, V.O.X. won’t just break the silence, but make some real noise in the modern rock world.
Genre: Modern Rock/Alternative Metal
Band:
Don Chaffin – Lead Vocals
Bob Brennan – Bass Guitar
Rob Katrikh – Guitar
Mike Khalilov – Keys
John Macaluso – Drums
Track Listing:
1. Damned
2. Tell Me What It Takes
3. Apocalypse
4. Break the Silence
5. Numb
6. Did It Again
7. Hollow
8. Made of Stone
9. Blown Away
10. Sorry
Label: Independent
Online:
http://www.voicesofextreme.com/
http://www.myspace.com/VoicesofExtreme
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VOX-Voices-of-eXtreme/158508458097
Hardrock Haven rating: 6.5/10