The newest edition to The Veer Union catalog, Welcome to Dystopia is out now via Rock Shop Records.
The album starts with a quick recorded message: “And we are all connected like tides around the world being pushed and pulled by an unseen force that stretches out to the moon.” While I’m sure science can back up what happens with the moon and tides, the pure idea of that connection is a feeling of dystopia itself, something unexplainable but still there, and you have to deal with it. To have that spoken word start the album sets the mood perfectly.
Once the heavy instrumentals hit, it’s time to go; not one piece better or overpowering than the next, everything in seemingly perfect harmony. The bridge is a culmination of the energy that has been growing the entire song. It blends expertly from verse to pre-chorus to chorus and beyond, and there is no stopping it. The highlight of the track is featured in the outro, almost feeling like a record scratch; it’s unexpected, but that doesn’t mean it’s not invited in to stay awhile. “No Excuse” is the perfect opener for any set the band plays to support this album.
“Is this How it Ends“features anthemic vocals during the verses while the house is brought down during the pre-chorus and chorus leading to an interesting tempo blend that ordinarily would be off-putting but they make it work in just the right way with the undertones that are blended throughout said chorus. The highlight of this track is the bridge / breakdown, heavily featured after a spoken recording starting with the words “potential for the disastrous rise for misplaced power exists and will persist,” perfectly foreshadowing the brutal breakdown to immediately follow.
Another standout track is “Empirical,” which comes at you at full force, especially the dual vocals that are peppered throughout while the chorus grows from generic chord progressions to full energy in a matter of seconds. “The Underground” features powerful guitar punches and curious synth undertones, all masterfully meshed with the rest of the track, per the usual at this point, while some of the vibes hit Born of Osiris territory.
The title track, “Welcome to Dystopia” featuring Silent Theory is a fantastic collaboration as this song features a slightly different vibe, throwing in electronica beats and a little nu metal flair. “Dig Their Own Graves“ highlights punishing bass riffs / progressions with an energy that travels throughout your entire body. The best part of the track is the angelic bridge with harmonic vocals featured over a wonderful soundscape that unleashes into a quick, nasty outro.
