Van Canto – Tribe of Force

Label: Napalm

I thought that it couldn’t get much weirder than Arsis who certainly bite off more than they can chew when it comes to odd musical combinations. However it seems I was wrong, Van Canto just swallow down the whole damn dish plate and all. A mean, Apocalyptica were certainly novel when they first appeared and although they thoroughly kicked arse at last year’s Bloodstock they still seem somewhat contrite.  But at least they play instruments that vaguely resemble those of other bands, Van Canto do away with guitars and bass in exchange for their erm… voices.

Yes you did read that right, this is A Cappella Metal. As daft as it may sound it’s true. The bitter irony of this farce being, that it’s actually quite good… in a way. It’s probably more of an admiration for the technical ability than a true appreciation of the music itself. It’s difficult to know what to say about Tribe… because at least with other artists there is something more to use as a basis for comparison. Whereas with Van Canto, there’s none.

I can’t help but have respect for the balls these guys must have to take on such a noteworthy(?) challenge and do something which is so obscure that the idea of it just sounds laughable. Well there we go such is the way of Europe. The worst thing about this album is actually the pathetic guitar sound (a guitar plays solos on a few songs), whilst it could be really strong and effective it falls flat on its face. It doesn’t take long for the novelty if this album to wear off either, by the time you reach the mind-bending cover of ‘Master Of Puppets’ you either want to smash your speakers or go jump off a bridge.

The surreality of this album almost makes Eraserhead seem like a mainstream film. Quite simply this is existentialist metal, free from any fears of peer disapproval and seemingly carefree you have to admire it’s boldness. Despite this being their third album (anyone else heard the other two?) unfortunately for Van Canto, it remains just a novelty. Something to show your friends on YouTube or to laugh at when you’re so wrecked that you find that you just couldn’t care less.

6/10 (Confused by that score? So am I… but it feels unjust to give them anything lower, after all they’ve  got bigger lungs than Howard Jones and know how to use them)

Mr Bogle