Review: “Cold Epiphany” by Voice of Ruin

Fifteen years into their career in Melodic Death Metal, Swiss natives Voice Of Ruin have returned with their fourth full length album “Cold Epiphany“, a record said to be caught in the vortex between tragic reality and fiction. Taking lyrical inspiration from both the darkest episodes of history and an imaginary future, ravaged by disease and human madness, the quintet offer 10 fresh cuts four long years after masterpiece “Acheron” reared its ugly head. The wait has been crewel but no doubt caused by the years of plague and pestilence that swept our lands and perhaps that is why it was produced, recorded and mixed in house by guitarist Nicolas Haerri at L12 Studio before being lovingly mastered by Mike Kalajian (Periphery, He Is Legend, Drain) at Rogue Planet Mastering…

Naturally “Prelude To A Dark Age” is an introduction piece, the clue being in the title, but it’s not one to be underestimated. A delicate acoustic melody creates the atmosphere for the album while also serving as a palate cleanser meaning that “I – The Vile King” can have greater impact. Capturing the imagination, the tale is one of a King caged whose eyes are pecked out by Crows, vocalist Randy Schaller playing the role of the protagonist, a man out for bloodstained revenge. He switches between spoken word drawls and savage uncleans, the swirling sonics around him offering some Gothenburg sound inspired moments tinged with epic majesty. Vampiristic tendencies rear their ugly head with “Bloody Salvation“, a Groove Metal inspired cut which combines head-bang-ability with a scream-a-long chorus in the best possible way. As with the opening cut the band have added almost ethereal touches into the background of each song, something which works incredibly well, creating another dimension of depth and texture. Having swallowed the red pill “Deathstar Rising” finds the Voice Of Ruin showing us just how deep the Rabbit hole goes, continuing the onslaught with tasteful solo while touching on Thrash roots. The quality of the musicianship and song writing is sublime, the weight of light and shade coupled with nuance perfectly balanced. Backing vocals from Ariel Magnane then grace “Unforgiven Sins“, the chorus reminiscent of mid career Killswitch Engage with 2003 era American Metalcore vibes, classy riffs and a real sense of musical freedom.

Staccato riff breaks ignite the fires of “The Last Feast” which also has some mighty fine moments of blasting from drummer Dario Biner, the whirlwind of sonic abrasions not broken for an accessible chorus. Schaller’s brutal elongated roar in the final moments is a real statement of murderous intent in this undertaking, a thinly veiled retelling of the last supper from a different angle. Anna Murphy of Cellar Darling and formerly Eluveitie adds pair of beautiful clean vocal moments to “Cyanide Stone“, the perfect contrast to Schaller’s scalding voice while the band themselves have some orchestral embellishments. There will always be a purist who deems that a sell out however the band haven’t give up anything of their heavy sound to make it happen and cut is the polar opposite of any form of power ballad. For “Dreadful Tears” then horns have been sharpened for impaling those who would oppose, another tasteful solo raising the hairs on the back of the neck amidst a tornado of riffs with some Fit For An Autopsy vibes. The truth is that as with a lot of bands these days, while they are labelled as being Melodic Death Metal there is actually a lot more to the sound of Voice Of Ruin than that. Again, despite the name “Lustful Gaze” is another solid slab of groove laden riffage soaked Old School inspired tune, the kind that has instant appeal with its familiarity while also having a life of its own. It also has a few technical moments, the whispered part before the Lamb Of God influenced finale being absolutely majestic. That would have been a fine place to finish the album but Voice Of Ruin have one more trick up their collective sleeves with title track “Cold Epiphany“. Taking a delicate flower like introduction and letting it mutate into another call to arms with moments of orchestration adding a dark beauty, this is another stand out from a band who deserve a lot more time in the limelight [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Prelude To A Dark Age
2. I – The Vile King
3. Bloody Salvation
4. Deathstar Rising
5. Unforgiven Sins (ft. Ariel Magnane)
6. The Last Feast
7. Cyanide Stone (ft. Anna Murphy of Cellar Darling, ex-Eluveitie)
8. Dreadful Tears
9. Lustful Gaze
10. Cold Epiphany

“Cold Epiphany” by Voice of Ruin is out 1st December 2023 with pre-orders available over at bandcamp