Vestal Claret may not be as well known as some of the other bands Phil Swanson has fronted over the years, but this Connecticut based heavy metal group has released two full lengths and a slew of EP’s and splits since their creation in 2005. While their influences have always felt a bit more diverse compared to some of the others out there, for this year’s self-titled full length Vestal Claret has reached out even further and channeled elements of progressive and psych rock alongside some hard rock that recalls the type of sound that would transform into heavy metal. It’s a very different listen compared to 2014’s The Cult of Vestal Claretbut proves to be utterly infectious with strong hooks and a consistent flow from beginning to end.
Any band rooted in heavy metal or doom brings a certain sound to mind for listeners, but right from the start of this album it’s evident that Vestal Claret is pulling more from the rock and proto-metal end of the spectrum. “Empty” kicks things off with a much softer guitar melody that gives off a wistful and airier tone as the energy builds through the track, immediately channeling much brighter textures than you may remember from this band if you’ve spent time with their previous material. From there the instrumentals continue to branch out, with late numbers like “Edges of Sanity” and “Devil’s Dust” adding in some metallic and hard rock flourishes with some more aggressive, driving riffs while “Sorrow” and “Abandoned” recall some of the classic prog rock acts with how their melodies reach soaring heights and provide plenty of natural twists and turns. It’s as though Vestal Claret has paid tribute to every great element of rock and heavy metal from the 60s through the 80s, recalling the light and psychedelic tinged melodies that defined the earlier generations while also capturing the rawer grooves and energy that would go on to form heavy metal in later years. The press release also mentions guitarist/bassist Simon Tuozzoli’s love of medieval music, and some of the softer moments have rhythms and tonality that channels this same type of atmosphere. But no matter where the band chooses to go this time around, they deliver consistently strong hooks while still sounding cohesive as each of the nine songs flow together seamlessly and make for an album where you can easily enjoy it from beginning to end or get stuck on specific tracks.
If you’ve heard Phil Swanson sing on albums from Hour of Thirteen, Sumerlands, or Seamount you’re probably familiar with just how versatile he can be, and this is demonstrated throughout Vestal Claret. Early on his voice comes through with just the right amount of grit, and “Empty” and “Graey” has him trading verses with guest singer Madeline Baldwin as the two harmonize in a way that sucks you right in. As the instrumentals mellow out further and explore some prog elements Swanson follows suit and lightens up significantly, delivering much softer verses that seem to hover slightly above the recording. But what stands out the most is “Melancholia”, where the approach shakes things up significantly and sounds closer to some of the earlier grunge vocalists circa the late 80s and early 90s. For some Swanson’s range has been an acquired taste, but it’s one I’ve always been drawn to and he reaches some of his highest peaks yet with this album.
With their latest full-length Vestal Claret has blurred the lines between heavy metal, hard rock, and a healthy dose of prog and other melodic influences that channel the best of past decades without sounding dated. At times I’m reminded of the softer yet epic rock of Ashbury, but that’s just one side of what these guys are channeling with this album. It’s a pleasant surprise and another highlight in a crowded year, and while the band has indicated on social media that they’ve been having trouble generating label interest hopefully someone steps up to the plate to give this one some additional love.
-Review by Chris Dahlberg
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to share it with others to help us grow. You can also like and follow us on the social media of your choice with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon.