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ALBUM REVIEW: 'Hyperdaze' by Void of Vision

Hyperdaze is Melbourne-based metalcore band Void of Vision's second full length after 2016's Children of Chrome and 2017's excellent EP Disturbia. I've been keeping an eye on this band for a while, because while I have enjoyed their material in the past, I have always felt like they have never quite put together the release that really nails down their unique and exciting sound in a killer album. Disturbia gave me optimistic feelings about their future, as did their standalone single last year, 'Kill All My Friends'. And here we are in 2019 with Hyperdaze. I'm happy to say that it is their best release so far, by some distance. After the intro track 'Overture', 'Year of the Rat' slaps hard with a down tempo riff that sets the tone for this collection of groove-oriented jams and tasteful choruses.

The two main selling points of the band so far - the riffs and vocalist Jack Bergin - are shown off to their full potential on Hyperdaze, but an addition that makes it stand out from other Void of Vision releases is the increased focus on electronic elements and atmosphere. In fact, 'Adrenaline' is an entirely electronic interlude track that manages not only not to feel out of place amongst an album of metalcore ragers, but it fits incredibly well into the overall vibe of the album. Producer Jon Deiley's (better known Northlane guitarist/songwriter) role in this album also shouldn't be understated, particularly in the post-Alien world we live in today. Not only is there an undeniable parallel to be drawn in the musical direction of the bands, but the role electronic instrumentation plays in this album can be chalked up to his producer role.


The issues I have had with the band's previous releases still stand here, though. On the one hand I wish that this album was longer, coming in at only 30 minutes, but on the other the lack of variation has been my biggest issue with the longer releases. I do think that the 4-track Disturbia is the band finding the perfect length of release for the music they write, and I think in the case of Hyperdaze it would benefit from either trimming down or expanding by exploring new areas. As it is I think my interest starts to wear thin before the album finishes, which isn't a great sign when it only just scrapes through to half an hour. Don't get me wrong, what they have going with this album is pretty awesome - it's catchy, groovy and heavy - but the lack of variation causes it to lose momentum.

Having seen them recently for the second time in support of Northlane on their Alien tour, I can wholeheartedly say that what they do works. Because by the time the breakdown in 'Hole In Me' came around the energy in the room - and the Roundhouse is not a small venue - was absolutely huge. They have their finger on something excellent, but hopefully in the future they can expand on it further and really make it their own. I know they have that really excellent release in them, because there are more than a few glimpses of it all the way through Hyperdaze. 

Rating: B

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