Metal Riot

Matriarch is certainly a big statement for Veil Of Maya. New singer. Clean vocals. The amazing guitar-tistry of Mark Okubo. Like most of their records, there are moments of sheer brilliance that make it worth purchasing. Other sections however are kind of aimless or more textural than servicing the “song”. I remember Okubo once saying he didn’t like Jane’s Addiction in an interview, which bummed me out cuz they feature such great guitar skills but also can always deliver a solid song as well. Sometimes less is more.
Then again, with Veil of Maya you have room for many layers or approaches under one band name, parting the veils to keep searching for what it all means.

Without a doubt Veil seem re-energized, though I’d really rather hear them with less compressed sounding production. It’s just a tad too slick and not enough bass, though the guitar tones at times get fuckin’ glorious on the proggier, walky Okubo lines.

Vocals in Veil were always the weakest part. It happens a lot in newer tech or proggy or metalcore bands, vocals secondary to the complexity of arrangements in both depth and scope. Pop culture references abound in some of these bands or names from TV shows. Within The Ruins did a great job on their last record but it wasn’t so blatant. Though serviceable, Matriarch aims to focus on female power symobls and matriarchs in society but they should’ve pointed to Malala instead of, I dunno, fake movie and show characters.
Don’t get me wrong. These guys often really slay at times.

Read more BELOW.

Technical death whiz kids Revocation have a new lyric video for “Labyrinth Of Eyes” courtesy of Metal Blade. The song, from their recent slammer Deathless, anticipates the band’s tour with Veil of Maya. See dates and the surveillance themed video, created with Nick Hipa,  BELOW.

Veil Of Maya has always been mostly about the intricate guitar parts, with vocals seeming almost an afterthought or about Dexter and Heroes episodes or whatever. Still, the exit of Brandon Butler from the popular group was a shock. It isn’t as much of a frustrating loss as, say, Punch losing Meghan O’Neal Pennie right as They Don’t Have To Believe was gaining traction (seriously, wtf?), but Butler worked earnestly during his time in VoM.

Here is his statement.

“As most of you know by now I am no longer in Veil of Maya. This decision was one of the toughest ones I have ever made in my life. The journey I have had traveling the world and playing for people who want to hear music I helped create is impossible to describe in words. The last 7 years of my life have been one wild ride and there is nothing I would take back about it. It was a dream of mine to make an impact with my words, even if in just a few lives. I will NEVER stop being passionate for music and writing as it is a massive part of my life. I feel as if I was on the verge of writing some of my best lyrics yet with the VOM guys and wish I could have showed you all.

“Marc, Sam, and Danny are currently working extremely hard on some amazing stuff that I know you guys will enjoy. They have a strong vision for how this album should sound and personally and creatively I had a different view from theirs which caused a wedge between us in this last year. I spent 7 years of my life hanging out with those guys grinding it out on the road and will always love them like brothers regardless of how it ended. It was an adventure with tons of ups and downs. Thank you so much to everyone who was a part of my time with veil. You changed my life for the better! The biggest thing I will miss is sharing experiences and stories with my friends around the world. Thank you for everything you have given me. VOM has the best fans ever! It was an absolute honor sharing the stage with you all and I’ll miss it. Stay fucking metal \m/”