Crucial Velocity: Controller

Controller sees the quick-fire return of Crucial Velocity, the four-piece of Matt Thompson (King Diamond) drums, Michael Harris (Chastain/Harris, Thought Chamber, Darkology) guitar, Shaolin Death Squad vocalist Androo O’Hearn and songwriter/guitarist/bassist/keyboard player Nate Bauer, picking up from where their self-titled debut impressively left off. Residing in an arena that takes in stoner and doom, on this occasion I’d suggest that the likes of Alice In Chains are also brought to mind, both in the way the tracks are paced and the intricate and ear-snagging vocal harmonies.

Lyrically things are just as hard hitting, investigating everything from how individuals can convince vast swathes of people to kill and torture in their name, to looking at the human mental condition through the eyes of Nate Bauer’s child, who has severe mental delay and autism. Throwaway the words here are most definitely not and neither is the music, the basis for a selection of tracks that bristle with bulging guitars always a melodic undercurrent that draws you in and holds you tight as all manner of musical explosions denote. However, what really impresses as “Chosen One�, “Hollow� and “Lifeless� make their mark is the subtlety that runs throughout songs that on first glance might feel like simple, steady riffathons. In truth, the opposite is true, and while there’s no doubt that “Welcome Death� spirals with real intent, its crafted arrangement and carefully constructed vocal melodies allow a slow drip system to fully work its magic.

Impactful from the off, this is an album that reveals a host of nuances as you get to know it. From the fluid guitar solos to the excellent interplay provided by the forceful rhythm section, and from the colour added by the vocals to the intriguing lyrical topics explored - all of which is embellished by the excellent mixing/mastering from Gary Long - there’s never a wasted second on Controller. That all of those elements are constructed in a way that allows you to still take everything in, is where this album really wins out.

Track Listing
1. Hollow
2. Brainstorm
3. Vicious Breed
4. Chosen One
5. Welcome Death
6. Controller
7. Revelation
8. Blessed
9. Lifeless
10. Reflection

Added: January 9th 2025
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Crucial Velocity online
Hits: 344
Language: english

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