Review Summary: Although inconsistent and lacking focus, Finnish Gothic metal group Vanguard delivers an enjoyable record.
Vanguard is pretty obscure. You've probably never heard of them... All hipsterism aside, truth be told, they were not on this site, they have very few reviews elsewhere on the internet, and they don't advertise themselves. The only reason I found them is due to a misunderstanding on iTunes when I searched the database for the California-based symphonic deathcore group of the same name, stumbling upon this metal group founded in Helsinki, Finland. Thus, due to this discovery, I've tried to keep up with them ever since I found them. This Vanguard incorporates a very different combination of genres, including folk and Gothic metal, with atmospheric tendencies, as seen in their 2005 record "Succumbra." However, 2009's "Hydralchemy" takes a more thrash/melodic death turn, while still incorporating but not focusing on the folk aspects.
"Hydralchemy" opens with an intro instrumental track, "Regenesis", a fairly unnecessary track, due to its inconsistency with the first real track, "Spellbroken", one of the strongest tracks on the record, which incorporates thrashing guitar work and vocalists Suvi and Jori Grym's dualing vocals. Much like their last album, we find that "Hydralchemy" revolves around the two vocalists, in particular female vocalist Suvi's powerful Evanescence-esque voice. Where Jori is certainly a capable harsh vocalist, his vocals are fairly limited; he basically maneuvers between a mid-low growl (which he executes sorta well) and a black metal-esque screech, which is his greatest asset, but his tone could use some control, as it often falls into some sort of gross croak oftentimes.
As the record continues, we find a mixed bag, with some tracks being better than others, due to their general lack of focus and identity. For instance, "Chimera" and "Zenith", which try to incorporate both thrash/death metal and folk, with mixed results. Even though there is a basic lack of identity, Vanguard executes many genres fairly well, on an individual scale. "Untold" incorporates cello and piano along with Suvi's vocals, which, in this track, sound beautifully vulnerable and incredibly sad. "Scarlet" showcases much restraint and subtlety, along with the sad atmosphere shown in "Untold," although its mood shifts from bleakly atmospheric to almost metalcore. "Whisper", my personal favorite and one of the more thrashier tracks, also incorporates an almost metalcore-esque breakdown (which I believe works), on top of Jori's clean vocals, showing off an experimental side of Vanguard. "Ouija" and "Scion" are the most folk-oriented tracks, including flute and piano, while the vocals still dominate the tracks.
My conclusion with their sound is that the most solid tracks on the album are the ones which have an obvious and general genre and direction. Songs such as "Spellbroken", "Whisper", "Ouija", and "Scion" all benefit since they choose a genre and stick to it. However, in songs like "Chimera", "Zenith", and "Scarlet", the direction they are taking is unclear, and the overall sound suffers, also subtracting a lot from the overall picture of the album. Thus, this is their major downfall.
Instrumentally, the album is not technically amazing, as one would expect in a vocally driven album, but lead guitarist Mikko Seppänen throws out some nice solos and riffs, chunky and distorted. Honestly, the riffs seem to be influenced by death 'n roll, within the likes of The Generals or Entombed. The drummer is a studio musician, and therefore not standout-ish, although I enjoy the tone of the drums immensely, as they are very hard-hitting. Of course, bassist Mika Pusa is unheard. Vanguard also has within their ranks a cellist, Aapo Romu, and although difficult to hear on most tracks, he shines on tracks such as "Untold" or "Ouija."
Lyrically, Vanguard breaks no rules within the Gothic metal realm, focusing on death and forbidden love and oftentimes a combination of the two. The final track (a bonus track) "Black No. 1" is a cover originally by "Gothadelic" group Type O Negative, which lyrically focuses on horror-esque themes, on top of the aforementioned themes. Overall, their lyrics are nothing to get excited about. Unfortunately, Jori Grym's phrasing of the lyrics are sometimes quite awkward, such as in "Slither" or "Whisper."
Overall, Vanguard's "Hydralchemy" is a mixed bag. When the band focuses on a single genre or style, it shows that they can write a great song. But unfortunately, this album is a group of songs, with an overall lack of focus or purpose. But if you ever would like some enjoyable Goth metal, check this out.
