Okay, so I’m cheating a little today, as I will occasionally do. Vattnet Viskar may be signed to Century Records, but they are still far from entering the mainstream metal lexicon. But that may change soon, as this group has seen a pretty quick rise to the spotlight. After a brief demo in 2011 and an EP in 2012 showcasing their post-black sentiments via bandcamp, they were snatched up by Century Media for their major label debut, Sky Swallower just a year later. Not content to ride the overall positive reception, especially with similar-sounding competitors like Sannhet and Deafhaven cranking out sought-after releases, the USBM quartet from New Hampshire have returned in 2015 with Settler.
Fortunately, unlike the many other groups in this currently hot genre, Vattnet Viskar are worthy of the hype. The typical marks of the genre are all there: uplifting tremolo melodies, alternative rock fusions, energetic drums with a penchant for punk, and just enough distortion and harshness in the vocals to qualify as “metal.” However, Settler has a distinctly stronger and more varied approach to songwriting that allows it to rise above the rabble. Furthermore, nearly every track was an instant winner for me, from the uplifting “Settler” to the crater-inducing “Impact.” The opening on the latter is scathing.
There were several moments where, of all things, I was reminded of Deftones. Something about the spacey post-rock riffs and particularly the infectious bass groove towards the end of “Glory” just screamed Saturday Night Wrist or Koi No Yokan. Comparisons aside, the overall guitar work and attention to melody on this album is exceptional. There is a definitive style coursing through its veins, yet each song has its own trademark flair. Everything has taken a significant step up from the previous LP, but there is no question that the lead guitar is the star of the show. Just listen to that blistering, emotive solo on closing track “Coldwar” and tell me I’m wrong.
Unfortunately, I do have one complaint about Settler and Vattnet Viskar in general: I dislike the vocals. I don’t HATE them, I just think they mar what is an otherwise stellar sound. Washed in distortion, they come off as flat and lacking presence. Their digital nature detracts from the more transcendental aspects of the music. Personally, I think the album would be better either instrumental or with some post-hardcore vocals a la Touche Amore, Boss-De-Nage, or the more chaotic approach of Jacob Bannon. Taking a few notes from the Au-Dessus debut on incorporating more BM wouldn’t have hurt either. Given the stronger vocal performance on the first EP, even a simple rethinking of production might have made all the difference.
That aside, Settler is more required listening for 2015, especially for all you fedora/beanie-wearing, PBR-drinking post-blackers out there. With their start-to-finish enjoyable sophomore effort, Vattnet Viskar remind me not to throw rocks at glass houses, especially when I have been known to throw back quite a few blue ribbons while sporting an undercut myself. But if you were like me and found last year’s lauded Sunbather to be overrated hype-machine fodder, I still encourage you to pick up Settler A.S.A.P. But, you know, that's just, like, my opinion, man. June 16th in U.S., 29th in EU. Only $8.99 for digital through Amazon
