[ArtistOTD] Mask Of Virtue

Artist: Mask Of Virtue

Genre: Electronica/Metal
Location: Rotherham, UK
Label Type: Indie

Record Label: Rising Records 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaskOfVirtue
Facebook: http://facebook.com/themaskofvirtue

MySpace: http://myspace.com/maskofvirtue

Straight outta Rotherham come Mask Of Virtue fresh from their summer UK tour with trance-metal heavyweights and label-mates Silent Descent. Consisting of Joe Rosser, Danny Blackett, Seb Crookes, Tom Lee and Ash Spencer, MOV have been all around the country showcasing their debut album 'In This World' released earlier this year. They have unearthed their own unique brand of electro-metal capturing aspects from two sides of the music spectrum. Their attempts to combine the two genres could not have been executed any better, however, the main hurdle to overcome is finding a niche audience who enjoy both aspects. Some metal fans are unwilling to incorporate electronics as evident by the marmite nature of Skrillex. Similarly, many electro fans are uneasy with the introduction of metal. Nevertheless,  those open-minded enough to embrace the fusion are in for absolute treat when listening to the sound of MOV.  

Since late 2009 the Yorkshire lads have been working hard and gigging across the country, culminating in the aforementioned debut album. It is energetic, fast-moving ,pulsating and generally faultless! The number of key elements this record possess highlight the versatility and adaptability of the band. Vocally it switches back and forth between harmonious melodies and frustrated screams, remaining passionate and heartfelt throughout, none more so than on 'It's Here To Stay'. The vocals complement the melodic guitars beautifully, setting the desired mood and atmosphere exquisitely. Drumming is magnificent throughout, never more so than the double-kick drumming at the beginning of 'Blood For Free'. They keys and synths also play a massive role in the make up and sound of MOV as they more than stand up to the onslaught of the driving guitar riffs, screaming vocals and crashing drums.If you're left in any doubt about their influence, check out their inclusion in the bands cover of Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'. They also offer a trance-like feel as evident on 'The Bridges Will Burn'. However, to pick out any highlights on the album would prove an injustice to all others on the record as there are simply no fillers on the 13-track offering.

All too many reviews these days are positive with overuse of superlatives just for the sake of it, but with this band it is truly deserved. One of the best debut albums of its kind, and what's more, new material is on the way so keep an ear out and 'Get Your MOV On!'.

Here is a teaser to get you started, with a one-minute preview of the debut album:

Matthew Evans

[TuneOTD] Vampiro - PHANTOM

Artist: Vampiro

Genre: Dubstep
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Label Type: Indie
Record Label: DLA Black
Twitter: http://twitter.com/itsVampiro
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/VampiroTV

‘Phantom’ is the new release from South African dubstep producer Vampiro. He has followed the lead set by such acts as Nero in employing female vocals in the form of Anja van der Spuy (even if this is just sampled noises rather than singing).

The tune is contemporary yet simple, generic yet effective. The beginning strikes similar resemblances to early Crystal Castles, up until the cut-throat bass drops in. The pace is stepped up a bit around half way through as an eclectic drop is nailed. However, it subsequently doesn’t deliver as much as is promised. Perhaps more variety and experimentation could be added, but perfection comes with experience, and the early signs are there for Vampiro, such as mastering the dubstep beat and raving capabilities. These comments can be generalised also to an earlier distributed track, ‘Haunter’, although this particular tune probably takes greater direction in using the synths.

The foundations are most certainly there, with definitive influences from Skrillex. And so if filthy, face-melting dubstep is your thing, then you just might like this. Check it out!

Matthew Evans