VÁN
The goth/classic metal coupling produces another lovechild
The equitable bonding of goth rock and heavy metal arguably began to fully take effect on the final album by much-missed Swedish trailblazers In Solitude in 2013, subsequently honed to a fine art by Portland nostalgists Unto Others. Leave it to Germany to produce this blessed union’s most full-throttle 80s throwback lovechild, this enigmatic Essen quintet’s second album turning up with the sturdiest guitars, the snappiest pace and the highest HM quotient. The time-warp element is pushed to the max by occasional explosive fills that may induce nightmare flashbacks to those hexagonal drum pads that sounded futuristic in 1981. Crucially though, infectious and accessible songwriting is the band’s trump card – aided to glory by Ricardo Baum’s eccentric, expressive, elastic vocals. Fatale generates an irresistible string of moody headbangers and nocturnal anthems that flirt with gloom but result in effervescence. ■■■■■■■■■■