Album Review: Veil of Maya – [m]other (Sumerian Records)

[m]other, the long-awaited full-length album from Chicago-based genre-bending metallers Veil of Maya is out on May 12th, 2023, via Sumerian Records.

With a stupendously proficient technical edge, blending insane synthwave, and delivering a constant stream of ruthless death metal, Veil of Maya are a very special band. A band that moves with an impossible amount of energy and has some creative tricks up their sleeves.

All of this, and so much more, is heavily present on this new album, [m]other. A stunning showcase of Veil of Maya’s impressive genre-blending, where the word ‘anthem’ can be used to describe every single track. Regardless of the level of savagery or melody on show, and it sure starts off with savagery at the forefront. Tokyo Chainsaw’s serrated guitars, pummelling drumbeats, and roaring vocals make an instant impression. The speed and progressive twists are akin to something Meshuggah might pull out.

You can stop holding your breath now, it’s time for Artificial Dose and the Veil of Maya sound expansion that makes them so beloved. The melodies and clean singing are the perfect balance to their electronically charged hardcore-infused ferocity.

Godhead comes next and the creativity that has already been so prominent is here with aplomb. Veil of Maya digging down deeply to deliver one of their most chaotic sounding tracks. Whereas [re]connect is a progressive marvel that sees the group do things to guitars that should be illegal. Before Red Fur has Veil of Maya up their synth game and create havoc on the dance floor with Disco Kill Party.

How could you not be having fun when Veil of Maya keep spitting out manic metal and as many massive melodic anthems as these? So what if you need a notepad and pen to keep up with a lot what they’re doing. That just means you’ve got an extra excuse to listen to it over and over again.

Which is an urge that is impossible to deny once the trippy synth and abrasive metal of Mother Pt. 4 and Synthwave Vegan make a mockery of your own expectations about how fast and heavy Veil of Maya can be.

Can the album get any better? Try the emphatic intensity and experimental style of Lost Creator, and the scathing and scarring vehemence of Death Runner. Chances are you’ll love them both as much as everything else on [m]other, such is the overall strength of the record. This might be Veil of Maya’s magnum opus.

Veil of Maya – [m]other Track Listing:

1. Tokyo Chainsaw
2. Artificial Dose
3. Godhead
4. [re]connect
5. Red Fur
6. Disco Kill Party
7. Mother Pt. 4
8. Synthwave Vegan
9. Lost Creator
10. Death Runner

Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram