Simulation Game
I was lucky enough to catch Voodoo Six last year when they supported Steve Harris’ band British Lion. They are a band I have wanted to see for a long time and let me tell you, live they are a force to be reckoned with. Such a great live band and when they announced they had a new album coming out, I had to hear it. Believe me, it does not disappoint.
The album, released via Explorer1 is out next month and features the vocal talents of Nik Taylor-Stoakes, founding member and bassist Tony Newton, guitarists Matt Pearce and Tommy Gentry and Joe Lazarus on the kit. Simulation Game is an album you have to listen to and listen to with everything turned up to 11!
The album opens with ‘The Traveller’, beginning with a dark crunchy riff and building up into a full on assault on the senses. A high energy track that will have you headbanging right the way through. This first track really does set the tone for the rest of the album too. High energy, no nonsense and loud! It does present a few surprises too, not least the haunting choral effect and the strings. And I love the recurring lead guitar part. What a great album opener.
Next up is ‘Gone Forever’ and after the first track, this is somewhat tame. Almost easy listening in comparison and you know what, I really like it. Not so crunchy guitars and a more melodic song, that still retains that power that Voodoo Six harness so well. It’s a really full sound too, I have to mention Nik’s voice here. Absolutely stunning, such a vocal powerhouse.
Next is my favourite track of the album, ‘Liar and a Thief’. Opening with strings that later on the guitars mimic, this is a really powerful track. Add to that an absolutely stunning guitar solo mid way through and I might argue that this song is perfection. This is everything you want a great rock song to be.
This is such a great album from Voodoo Six, made up of so many future classics. Another highlight is track number five, ‘Last to Know’. This arrives at the mid point and personally, I think with the lead guitar and synth strings it has a slightly American feel. It reminds me a little of early Avenged Sevenfold, having a real noughties vibe! I love it. The crunchy guitar is back for the beginning of the next track, ‘Lost’. This is a real grungey song but also has a fantastic solo that is actually led in with both guitar and drums going hammer and nail and playing with equal vigour!
The album continues before coming to thunderous orchestral climax. ‘One of Us’ is a song of epic proportion. It begins with a huge orchestrated introduction, the guitars falling in line next to the strings. Then after a minutes worth of orchestral brilliance, Nik’s vocals come in. I love it, the strings drop out for the verses, but then return for the chorus, underscoring that crunchy guitar. Talking of the guitar, the guitar solo in this one is pure brilliance.
This whole album is a masterpiece. It doesn’t sound like anything else out there. In a music scene that is governed by new waves of everything, this is one of the most original albums I’ve heard in years! The production is massive, I love the strings and orchestration, I really hope I get to see Voodoo Six play this album with a full orchestra one day, but until then all we have is this stunning album. If you buy one album this year, then ‘Simulation Game’ it has to be. You will not regret it.
Voodoo Six’s new album “Simulation Game” is released on October 16th. It’s available to pre-order here
Released By: Explorer1
Release Date: 16th October 2020
