Italian blast metallers Vexed return with their fifth full length album 'Void MMXII'. Blast metal? The term they gave to themselves does not stand for blast beats, but war themes they carry. And "fast atomic drinking" themes. Yes, their lyrics can be hilarious or lame, from whatever point you observe them. Anyway, you should bear in mind, that their 2004 album 'Destruction Warfare' is one I know, and will draw comparisons to.

But let's get into musical side of Vexed first. This Milan band have been operational since 1996, and they've always alloyed thrash, death and black metal branches together. Starting with a majestic and brooding intro 'Ashes', 'Void-H-Fog' gets into marching gear and is like an unstoppable tank with its consistent mid-paced double kick drum beat, heavy riffing and shouted blazoned vocals. This death/black song is simplistic, but also something like an opener should be: It is arresting as hell. It has a black aura of Celtic Frost in it. 'Bloody Fucking Thrash' is exactly what its title promises; powerful, Sodomizing and shredding thrash metal. Another style is introduced with 'Black 'n' Roll', which is a heavier take on Motörhead and NWOBHM, similar to what Devil Lee Rot does. The final genre in Vexed's musical map is hardcore punk mixed with metal styles, and this is best heard on 'Professional Cancer', which has a similar feel as Sepultura's cover of New Model Army's 'The Hunt' (on Brazilians' 1993 album 'Chaos A.D.'). Another punky song is the following 'Bastard Drink Faster', but more upbeat, a bit like Tankard's thrashing. Talking about covers; 'Black Metal' found on this album is a cover of Venom hit.

So, these are the boundaries within which Vexed operate. There is nothing innovating to be heard on this album. The final judgement can only be passed considering how well Vexed do their thing. They do it pretty well, to tell the truth. They can be bloody heavy, play with energy and attitude, and even sound somewhat characteristic in all that, mostly thanks to recognizable vocal style of original member Mik. All these different styles together, this still sounds quite undivided. Aforementioned bands work as examples how Vexed sounds, but aren't the whole truth. They are just beacons by which one can consider if Vexed is worth checking out. All in all, Vexed are influenced by 1980's and 1990's metal music, as there are no modern influences in their music. The lyrics are grammatically flawed, and badly. Sometimes they are highly naive, but I feel more amused than uncomfortable.

The production is kind of raw. It's not to say it's powerless or garbled, because it definitely isn't either. There are various line-ups appearing on the songs. Mik does all the vocals. His shouted and bellowing voice is commanding, and thankfully it isn't reverbed but seldom. It is way more impetuous this way. The guitars are ruthless with their thrashy tone, but still it is very heavy at times, too. The bass is lively, but is somewhat obstructed by louder drums. The drums have been problematic in the past, but are now much more tighter, even though they still are out of time in a few songs (e.g. 'N.B.C.'). Except that drum machine on a couple of songs... It does not destroy anything, but is easily noticeable for its coldness.

'Void MMXII' came as a nice surprise for me. It's pretty much perfect sonic entertainment when you decide to have an evening of "fast atomic drinking", or debaucheries of your choice.

Rating: 7- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/27/2012 13:55