A Massive Rock Record From Caster Volor
A pretty thrashing new EP release from Caster Volor delivers a massive sonic drive that blends classic, sort of old school metal, with an updated alternative feel, killer riffs, loads of unstoppable energy, and the whole thing packs a punch.
One of my favorite aspects about this record as a whole is the fact that it does indeed combine these different heavy rock genres in a seamless fashion.
As the record unfolds more and more, you can hear loads of those influences coming through, and because of that, you have a record that has familiarities to it, but also just pushes this raw energy, and that is something that becomes really infectious right from the beginning.
The EP is called Paracosm, and it certainly doesn't waste any time kicking things off with its first track "Hard R", which comes right in with a super addictive riff with a great time signature, as the rest of the band starts coming in before everything hits full swing.
The way this builds up right from the beginning of the song is absolutely outrageous. It's blistering and when it opens up into the main riff of the song you get something that feels like it's a combination of Iron Maiden and CKY.
Part of this is not just because of the actual guitar riff, but also the tone of the instrument. The distortion and guitar tone throughout this record are very particular, and it gives off a slight warmth while still being heavily overdrived and edgy.
This is really smart because you can hear all the notes in those riffs, but it still hits hard.
The drummer pushes the band. The drummer is absolutely killer throughout this entire thing, and you can really feel how he doesn't just add the drive, but rather brings a certain electricity to the songs.
He brings a liveliness to each track in a different way. He doesn't just sit in the pocket; he thrives and lets the songs feel almost like they're live performances.
That also has to do with the energy of the entire band in general.
Listening to the record, it feels almost like these guys recorded the songs live on the floor, to an extent.
Even if I'm wrong about them recording the songs all in one shot at once, listening to the record makes you want to go see them perform it live, simply because, if they can capture this kind of aesthetic and energy on record so well, then seeing them live must be awesome.
I'm sure it would be a great face-melter kind of show.
The vocalist kicks in and starts just shredding. This vocalist reminds me a little bit of Phil Anselmo from Pantera. He's got that shreddy, Fierce kind of voice, but he's still singing through those screams.
I love that approach because it combines two things well, and his energy also matches the instrumentation of the band, maybe even pushes it further.
This is a band that definitely pushes the envelope as much as they can, and this record displays loads of that.
Songs like "Bewitch My Body & Soul", which is absolutely one of my favorites, is the kind of track that really showcases the band's more old school, classic metal influences. Everything about this track just screams vintage metal and heavy-handed, hard rock.
The vocals on this one are a little bit more operatic with wider-spread vibratos and a different approach.
I love how these guys are all on the same page in terms of the songs that they are writing.
This was a massive track that had a sort of vastness in its undertone.
Then there are tracks like "I Can't Cry (So I Stand In The Rain)", which is an absolute power ballad at its best. This track is probably the most cinematic and spacious of the set, bringing out powerhouse elements and creating this intense sort of emotional atmosphere that really works.
Once again, these guys are consistently showcasing how they pull from different influences to create these songs.
There are no two songs that are super alike. Instead the branch out in different directions while still keeping that heavy, hard rock close at hand, at times bringing in elements that are more fierce, and others more emotional.
Either way, you're getting a lot to chew on, and this EP has loads of layers that you can peel back.
A lot of the songs feel like they come from real places in terms of the lyrics. Everything feels authentic, and it's certainly a record I suggest listening to from beginning to end, in one shot.
The songs tell stories. Some of them do. Other ones are just pure blistering fun like "Hard R" for example.
Either way, you're going to get something that has depth to it. Whether that comes from intense riffs, emotional lyrics, or an expansive, almost filmic backbone, you're still going to get it.
So, check this record out, don't skip around because it's definitely an album you want to listen to every track from, and turn it up.
Some of these tracks are like fist-in-the-air sing-alongs, while other ones are total Headbangers.
You don't want to miss any of that stuff because it's super fun.
This EP serves as a great escape. If you're into any form of heavy rock, alternative, or metal, you're going to really love this record.
Check it out now and remember where you heard it first.
Paracosm - EP by Caster Volor | Spotify
