I've know Erik, the guitarist, since like 7th grade and got to see them underground before making it big in the thrash scene. Much respect to them and how far they've come.
Definitely an instant classic, Outer Isolation, in my mind, is a great album. As background info, I heard this album before I knew about Black Future and I would definitely say that this album is far superior compared to their previous release. I actually enjoy their atmospheric melodic passages more than the aggressive progressive riffs, yet on the other hand those same progressive riffs are pretty enjoyable as well. Flawless execution on the almost robotic sounding guitar/bass tracks and Blake's drumming is pretty interesting in a way that is not too thrash, almost punky(?) with complex cymbal work on the slower passages - if that makes sense. Dave's vocals actually sold me (in a way) to the album - very distinctive and original. Definitely a 9/10 IMO.
i first heard charging the void from vektor, which took a while for me to get into. then i decided to look into the band some more and found tetrastructural minds. long story short 9/10.
Another well-done review from Mr. Fantano. I love this album and give it a 9/10. It is an excellent follow up to a modern metal classic in Black Future.
"This record just continues to define Vektor's style as a hyper-melodic, super dynamic, intergalactic space-thrash band." - stopped the video and went out and downloaded this band's discography immediately.
I just discovered that Vektor had a new album out 10 minutes ago, I listened to one track and was blown away, and then immediately found out that my favorite youtube music reviewer just uploaded a review of it. Good stuff :)
A huge fan of classic albums from Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, Megadeth and Slayer I figured out I would never hear anything as amazing in the 2000s. Then I heard Gorod and Vektor. Tetrastructural Minds, Fast-Paced Society... sheer brilliance.
Really liked it, what got me into the band was how similar they were to Obliveon, a Canadian Thrash band, that whole space atmospheric vibe, is just to die for
I didn't think there were many black metal elements in the album at all. Unless you think that Higher pitched growls and riffs with more emphasized single tremolo picking are black metal elements (Which is a bit like saying that the chords they play make them a partial technical jazz band). I would say it's solid technical thrash, being influenced by Voivod and Aspid mainly, amongst other genres as well of course.
Vocals and some of the riffs on Venus Project and Outer Isolation (the song) are pretty black metal. It was more obvious on Black Future though with song like Dark Nebula.
Oh! And thank you for pointing out that they are the most original thrash band out right now, no one is touching them in originality and creativity. Great review Anthony!
Well that was more pleasant than I expected. I like your mellow style of reviewing, I've had it with the recent trend of machine-gunning like you're in a pharmaceutical ad. Thank you for the nice review. Vektor are amazing.
So, Black Future was Blackened Thrash? I think I'd like that more, but I'll look into them both. Thanks for reviewing something that wasn't Indie or HipHop. :P
It's funny he mentions video game music. I caught a direct quote from a video game. 3:20 into Fast Paced Society is quoted from Batman for nintendo. Check out the album The Advantage, a nintendo music cover band (20:10 is where it happens on that album)
Bands that you have shown me that I love are Sunn O))), Explosions in the Sky, Mono, Timber Timbre, Agalloch, Leviathan, Wolves in the Throne Room, Xasther and Vektor. Well more than that but THANK YOU!!!
@optimusprime0616 When you say you don't like a genre you should acknowledge the fact that it's just not your cup of tea. To say "Its just screaming and overly fast paced melodies" is pretty ignorant. When I hear metal I hear greatness. With a lot of indie rock I just hear soft mumbling over acoustic guitars but I still respect it cause I understand that to the people who listen to it probably hear much more in it and I just don't understand.
Fantano, Lich King's new album just came out. It would be really cool to hear you review that, considering Lich King was essentially noticed because of youtube, and the internet. Black Metal Sucks is a meme fossil.
Hahaha loved the "forever" in this review. I've got to make a point of picking up this albums because I remember really liking a few tracks I heard off "Black Future". As for your next review... Fallujah's new LP "The Harvest Wombs". Simply amazing tech death fused with black metal and some ambient thrown in there.
@TheEloeo I know that feel, bro. He never gets as enthusiastic about quieter, more contemplative melodic music, and that's a shame. He's in a position where he could recommend we all listen to virtually anything, and I can't help but feel like he squanders that opportunity on music that, realistically, a lot of people will never enjoy that much
great review! I'm loving the shit out of this album! I has not aware that some of the songs are old, but as I have not heard tham before it doesn't bother me at all. I also love the use of blast beats on this album, which were not used much on black future...if i remember correctly
@Bassbait If you want "a lot of things going on" then listen to Shining, Psyopus, Behold.. the Arctopus and similar mathematical jazz-fusion metal type bands. Vektor, Watchtower etc are rather humdrum in comparison (as far as the sheer amount of constantly-produced interesting noise is concerned, at least). Type in "Shining - Healter Skelter" and enjoy. Noisy enough?
Seriously, fellin love with this band on myspace in like 7th grade haha! Ended up getting guitar lessons from their guitarist Erik, coooolest experience of my life!
Fantastic album, one of my favorite metal bands of all time with Black Future actually, only bands I would rank equal are Death, Bathory and Mercyful Fate.
@Bassbait I'm already a big fan of Devin Townsend. What you're stating is not fact, but merely opinion. As we all know and are well aware of; opinion is subjective when fact goes out of the equation. Besides, I'm a Vektor fan. Why are you attempting to argue with me anyway? My original post was aimed towards an entirely different individual (namely, TsarCzar9) with a negative viewpoint towards heavy music. I was attempting to ease him in with my recommendation of Animals as Leaders.
@TheJoker3494 He said he won't review Blink. Watch his "You're Not Reviewing:" video. As for 311 & Incubus, it's been long enough to assume that he's not gonna review those either.
I gotta tell you Anthony, im open to all music genres from Electronica to Indie Rock. However, i just cannot get into Black/Death Metal. Its just screaming and overly fast paced "melodies", as short minded as that sounds. Im into bands that yell occasionally like At the Drive-in, Crystal Antlers, Crystal Castles, Bear vs. Shark. But Metal i find is just screaming. I hate it when you review metal IMO, BTW can you review either Gold Panda- Companion or Real Estate- Days Please and Thank You!
I'm not one for thrash metal AT ALL. But I'll at least give credit where credits do, they know what they're doing, unlike 95% of the metal bands out there. Drummers sick too. It is pretty reminiscent of Castlevania haha, they should have done the soundtrack for the new one!
"Tetrastructural Minds" is an all time classic in and of itself
+ShellacSoup yup
Some of the best riffs ever written written in the past 10 years are in that song.
ShellacSoup Just listened to Tetrastructural Minds yesterday (listened to Terminal Redux dozens of times), that song is Thrash Gold amazing song
I've know Erik, the guitarist, since like 7th grade and got to see them underground before making it big in the thrash scene. Much respect to them and how far they've come.
It’s so weird watching your old videos and seeing no memes in the comments
Definitely an instant classic, Outer Isolation, in my mind, is a great album. As background info, I heard this album before I knew about Black Future and I would definitely say that this album is far superior compared to their previous release. I actually enjoy their atmospheric melodic passages more than the aggressive progressive riffs, yet on the other hand those same progressive riffs are pretty enjoyable as well. Flawless execution on the almost robotic sounding guitar/bass tracks and Blake's drumming is pretty interesting in a way that is not too thrash, almost punky(?) with complex cymbal work on the slower passages - if that makes sense. Dave's vocals actually sold me (in a way) to the album - very distinctive and original.
Definitely a 9/10 IMO.
I think Blake Anderson was a jazz drummer once.
i first heard charging the void from vektor, which took a while for me to get into. then i decided to look into the band some more and found tetrastructural minds.
long story short 9/10.
Vektor is definitely the best new thrash metal band.
This and Black Future are the best thrash albums in decades.
+Jocko Jonson You should check out Being And Nothingness from Hexen
Then came Terminal Redux.
Yeah its great. I posted that before Terminal Redux was released. ;)
where'd they go?
theneedledrop oh boy. They really got you back with their most recent release.
Jay Tuck Oh yeah. Terminal Redux is an instant 11 out of 10 haha. Very rare.
album: 10/10
Another well-done review from Mr. Fantano. I love this album and give it a 9/10. It is an excellent follow up to a modern metal classic in Black Future.
"This record just continues to define Vektor's style as a hyper-melodic, super dynamic, intergalactic space-thrash band." - stopped the video and went out and downloaded this band's discography immediately.
new album Terminal Redux in early 2016. Tour of Europe and then with Voivod in the the US in early 2016,.
I just discovered that Vektor had a new album out 10 minutes ago, I listened to one track and was blown away, and then immediately found out that my favorite youtube music reviewer just uploaded a review of it. Good stuff :)
A huge fan of classic albums from Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, Megadeth and Slayer I figured out I would never hear anything as amazing in the 2000s. Then I heard Gorod and Vektor. Tetrastructural Minds, Fast-Paced Society... sheer brilliance.
Really liked it, what got me into the band was how similar they were to Obliveon, a Canadian Thrash band, that whole space atmospheric vibe, is just to die for
Countblagorath put it best when he essentially said that they're taking thrash metal, turning it on its head, and making it new and refreshing
I was also dissappointed not to find Vektor when I went to Amoeba :/
DannyTheConsumer I went to Amoeba in LA a while ago and looked for Vektor. I found them and they got a "staff pick" sticker next to their name 🎸
Insomdog amazing. I should've looked for them there. I need to make another trip to San Fran or LA. Each is 3 hours away haha.
I didn't think there were many black metal elements in the album at all. Unless you think that Higher pitched growls and riffs with more emphasized single tremolo picking are black metal elements (Which is a bit like saying that the chords they play make them a partial technical jazz band). I would say it's solid technical thrash, being influenced by Voivod and Aspid mainly, amongst other genres as well of course.
Vocals and some of the riffs on Venus Project and Outer Isolation (the song) are pretty black metal. It was more obvious on Black Future though with song like Dark Nebula.
Oh! And thank you for pointing out that they are the most original thrash band out right now, no one is touching them in originality and creativity. Great review Anthony!
This record is a 9 to Strong 9 for me. Incredible workout music
Ooo, I like this. Vocals are damn killer. Strong musicianship. Awesome.
Well that was more pleasant than I expected. I like your mellow style of reviewing, I've had it with the recent trend of machine-gunning like you're in a pharmaceutical ad. Thank you for the nice review. Vektor are amazing.
i love your reviews, you never fail to turn me on to something cool every week! thanks
So, Black Future was Blackened Thrash? I think I'd like that more, but I'll look into them both. Thanks for reviewing something that wasn't Indie or HipHop. :P
It's funny he mentions video game music. I caught a direct quote from a video game. 3:20 into Fast Paced Society is quoted from Batman for nintendo. Check out the album The Advantage, a nintendo music cover band (20:10 is where it happens on that album)
i’m a bit late but dang that’s pretty cool
Bands that you have shown me that I love are Sunn O))), Explosions in the Sky, Mono, Timber Timbre, Agalloch, Leviathan, Wolves in the Throne Room, Xasther and Vektor. Well more than that but THANK YOU!!!
@optimusprime0616 When you say you don't like a genre you should acknowledge the fact that it's just not your cup of tea. To say "Its just screaming and overly fast paced melodies" is pretty ignorant. When I hear metal I hear greatness. With a lot of indie rock I just hear soft mumbling over acoustic guitars but I still respect it cause I understand that to the people who listen to it probably hear much more in it and I just don't understand.
@TaffyRaphie The logo is part of the band's artistic statement. I think many Metal band logos are quite interesting and often beautiful.
haha i went to high school with these guys. i remember buying demolition during the school's market day.
VEKTOR \m/
Fantano, Lich King's new album just came out. It would be really cool to hear you review that, considering Lich King was essentially noticed because of youtube, and the internet. Black Metal Sucks is a meme fossil.
Lich King is very generic overall, but their new album was a bit better.
Louis Cole and Genevieve Artadi's album comes out at the end of the month. You should review that.
Hahaha loved the "forever" in this review. I've got to make a point of picking up this albums because I remember really liking a few tracks I heard off "Black Future".
As for your next review... Fallujah's new LP "The Harvest Wombs". Simply amazing tech death fused with black metal and some ambient thrown in there.
Phoenix, my home town for 32 years. Now I don't have to think about Job For A Cowboy.
By any chance did you also write the review on encyclopedia metallum?They're extremely similiar.
Black Future is better, but Outer Isolation is solid no doubt.
@RyNDonLE That's why i said in my opinion, but your point is valid.
What happened to your black future review?
Good review. Agree 100%
@TheEloeo I know that feel, bro. He never gets as enthusiastic about quieter, more contemplative melodic music, and that's a shame. He's in a position where he could recommend we all listen to virtually anything, and I can't help but feel like he squanders that opportunity on music that, realistically, a lot of people will never enjoy that much
great review! I'm loving the shit out of this album! I has not aware that some of the songs are old, but as I have not heard tham before it doesn't bother me at all. I also love the use of blast beats on this album, which were not used much on black future...if i remember correctly
@DwellerOvCaves IT'S ABOUT TIME.
idk if you can legally do this but it would be AMAZING if you could play little bits of the music during the video
Outer Isolation was just printed on vinyl, HOW DO YOU FEEL
@Bassbait If you want "a lot of things going on" then listen to Shining, Psyopus, Behold.. the Arctopus and similar mathematical jazz-fusion metal type bands. Vektor, Watchtower etc are rather humdrum in comparison (as far as the sheer amount of constantly-produced interesting noise is concerned, at least). Type in "Shining - Healter Skelter" and enjoy. Noisy enough?
Seriously, fellin love with this band on myspace in like 7th grade haha! Ended up getting guitar lessons from their guitarist Erik, coooolest experience of my life!
i think you should review the new Junius' record, reports from the treshold of death. :-)
My buddy randallends has the right idea. I've always thought about what your collections like, Whats your favs and what sits dusty.
They are currently recording a new album! :D
I love this band! Looking forward to picking up this album.
Vektor is so awesome that you can't even find their album at Amoeba music (LA). So sad.
You should do a Q & A, that would be awesome.
Fantastic album, one of my favorite metal bands of all time with Black Future actually, only bands I would rank equal are Death, Bathory and Mercyful Fate.
another great review,love it when he reviews thrash albums!
can i look forward to a lamb of god review when the album drops?
Great review man, gonna have to get this and black future ! :D
I totally forgot about about this band! I got their demo a long time ago and forgot about 'em! Thanks for reminding me, like a modern Voivod
This album is a pure 10/10. It doesn't get any better than this.
Hi there, I'm from the future...
It does lmao
@@tss1473 did not for me. Still my favorite thrash album of all time
@@Zibang no terminal redux?
@@tss1473 nah, I like Terminal Redux the least out of the three albums. Of course still excellent though, just don't click with the songs as much
@@Zibang honestly they're all 10/10s anyway so that's valid
i gotta be honest, i had a little shiver when you mention the Air Man stage. haha. such a nerd.
@Bassbait I'm already a big fan of Devin Townsend. What you're stating is not fact, but merely opinion. As we all know and are well aware of; opinion is subjective when fact goes out of the equation. Besides, I'm a Vektor fan. Why are you attempting to argue with me anyway? My original post was aimed towards an entirely different individual (namely, TsarCzar9) with a negative viewpoint towards heavy music. I was attempting to ease him in with my recommendation of Animals as Leaders.
I have never liked metal in general... But this may change my mind.
When is the next blog tv show? Last one I had a blast!
@willabema Totally agree. The concept, the art, the music is all great. But whyyyyyy with the vocals?
checked this album out, gotta say im definitely liking it. THANKS ANTAWN! :)
Did you ever get the earache Vinyl pressing?
Dude i've been waiting for a new Vektor album since i listened to Black future the first time!
Id like to see a vid of your music collection. I bet its massive
Going over to Erik Nelson (lead guitars) house to pick up my copy tonight. I'll tell him you said hi :)
are you going to do Yelawolf review???
Hey antony, y u no review one of tricks point, ehhhh, never? Huegh? -Cal
Listened to this album again today. So good.
Yeh show us your record/cd collection! and cals?
y u no review mr. oizo - stade 2?
Love this record and band. Hope they tour with Voivod! I saw them in New Brunswick in 09 they were great. This needed to be on vinyl. Great shit
PLEASE REVIEW... Action Bronson & Statik Selectah- Well Done
you have a great taste for metal
also VOIVOD SHOUT OUT love you tony
@TheJoker3494 He said he won't review Blink. Watch his "You're Not Reviewing:" video. As for 311 & Incubus, it's been long enough to assume that he's not gonna review those either.
Loved it along with Black Future.
SubRosa-No Help For The Mighty Ones, comon man, dont let this album be ignored.
hey bro have u mailed the 7 inches out
@vitality91 He mentions Voivod.
please review Hank III- Ghost to a Ghost/Gutter Town
I saw them January 12th at the Glasshouse in Pomona, they played a FREE SHOW. 2nd time seeing them and they wwere fucking amazing!! Love these guys!!
What passed great thrash metal band is that? Voivoy? Voybot? Huh?
How 'bout you discuss Thee Oh Sees latest release.
Young melon
@willabema maybe you are right but this means they need to get rid of the one guitarist also the frontman. Let them stay as is ;)
I like this album a lot, thanks for introducing me to Vektor AND Havok...I love Trash Metal, thats the only kind I like.
@Snuffian He reviewed the whole album already.
why are you wearing two shirts?!
Man I am siked. Vektor is my favorite thrash band, one of my favorite metal bands in general actually.
black keys ep review?
i still think Havok Time's UP is the best retro thrash metal since Testaments The Formation of Damnation
I hate watching this before I go and grab it today, but ugh, I can't stand not to see what you think of it!
I gotta tell you Anthony, im open to all music genres from Electronica to Indie Rock. However, i just cannot get into Black/Death Metal. Its just screaming and overly fast paced "melodies", as short minded as that sounds. Im into bands that yell occasionally like At the Drive-in, Crystal Antlers, Crystal Castles, Bear vs. Shark. But Metal i find is just screaming. I hate it when you review metal IMO,
BTW can you review either Gold Panda- Companion or Real Estate- Days
Please and Thank You!
@qwer8907 how is thrash metal "non music"?
@Mctallicaful471 the last thing we need is more sub-genres in metal...
I'm not one for thrash metal AT ALL. But I'll at least give credit where credits do, they know what they're doing, unlike 95% of the metal bands out there. Drummers sick too. It is pretty reminiscent of Castlevania haha, they should have done the soundtrack for the new one!
Anthony, how can you almost reach an eternity when an eternity is.....ya know......ETERNAL?