Vazum is an Alternative Rock band from the United States, that was conceived in 2017. On June 5th, 2024, Vazum released their latest independent studio album, Western Violence, which would gratify old-school Gothic Rock and Post-punk fans.
Introduction:
Vazum, Western Violence: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Western Violence
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Vazum and their album, Western Violence.
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Boasts energetic and moody guitar melodies and atmosphere riffs, that are infectious and full of captivating harmonies, drawing the listener into a mesmerising musical experience. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Involves ethereal vocals being mostly shared. Zach’s vocals capture these hash-industrial vocals, while Emily‘s singing provide beautiful siren vocals. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delves into a vast world of catchy and various tones and beats to captive the music atmosphere and mood.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion: Get ready to be shaken, stirred, veiled in darkness, pumped, chilled to the bone
The opening piece, Western Violence, greets the listener with hauntingly beautiful and powerful music when the listener presses the play button. This piece, along with the continuation of the second piece, Breach, and the remaining ten pieces, takes the listener on a concept. The piece explores the struggle with mental health, the feeling of isolation, and the complexities of the human condition in contemporary America. The term “Western Violence” here refers to the internal struggles and societal pressures that often lead to mental health issues and feelings of isolation.
As the listener plunges into the electrifying abyss of Western Violence and its auditory odyssey, they will encounter a haunting yet cathartic experience. This experience is characterised by haunting melodies, cathartic crescendos, and introspective lyrics, weaving together a unique blend of post-mesmerising punk, goth rock, alternative, pop, industrial, and shoegaze influences.
At the same time, as the listener plunges further into Vazum’s music, one will find this is more than moody melodies, atmospheric riffs, and ethereal vocals—post-punk, gothic, or shoegaze—but a well-composed musical fruit of art.
Vazum‘s music evokes the brooding atmosphere of Joy Division, the edgy post-punk vibes of Siouxsie and the Banshees, as well as the haunting gothic sensibilities of Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, and The Cure. While their music beautifully captures those dark, chilling, gothic and reflective elements, there’s also this excellent contrast with the uplifting and joyful energy reminiscent of Kids in America by the Kid Wild and Debbie Harry from Blondie. But there is this vibe and feel of 90s industrial metal music and acts such as Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, also buried in the music.
The album Western Violence by Vazum is a compelling fruit of art, showcasing powerful and skilful devilmanship.
The composition of the music and instrumentation are executed with perfection. The album consists of twelve diverse tracks, each filled with vigour and a different mood and atmosphere. It offers an engaging and exciting listening experience. It is refreshing, uplifting, captivating, and beautifully chillingly dark.
This is more than an album; it’s a manifesto for the disillusioned, a rallying cry for the restless souls seeking truth amid the madness. Get ready to be shaken, stirred, veiled in darkness, pumped, chilled to the bone, and ultimately transformed by the sonic revolution that is Western Violence by Vazum.
The album comes to an end with the last song, Precious Ones. We want to give a shoutout to Vazum for letting us review their album Western Violence. Now, we’re going to wrap it up by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
You’re Listening to “Stellium”
PlayThe Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins, our thoughts on Vazum and their album, Western Violence.
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia: Is that for us, discovering Vazum and their music feels like a journey back to the dark post-punk and Gothic days of the eighties and bands; such as Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, and The Cure. Vazum has captured every essence of these bands and more — but creating something their own!
I must say that the sixth piece, Stellium, did something for me. It has this power-ballad, dark, sorrowful, yet romantic atmosphere to the piece. At times (for me) there is this vibe and feeling of Tommy James and the Shondells‘ “Crimson & Clover” buried in the composition of Stellium.
At the same time, their sound, and production value bring a modern twist that is executed with precision, leaving a lasting impression and sparking a sense of excitement. Not to be missed!
Western Violence would be an album I would happily shelve with my Siouxsie, Joy Division, Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy etc collection
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The artwork beautifully encapsulates the lively and cheerful essence of the music, while also effectively portraying the dark and uplifting atmosphere that the music conveys.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Vazum, and their album Western Violence.
This concludes the Vazum, Western Violence review.
Track-Listing:
- Western Violence
- Breach
- Alien
- Embryo
- Get Out
- Stellium
- Blush
- Done
- Acteur
- Exile
- Nightshade
- Precious Ones
Vazum is:
- Zach Pliska – vocals, guitars, drums
- Emily Sturm – vocals, bass
