Review by Tammy Lomax for MPM
Viatorem is the Latin word for traveller/messenger and is also an anti fascist metal band from London and Brighton. They have been building a very strong following in the underground scene since the release of their 2019 E.P “No Saviours No Kings”
Supporting bands like Pintglass and Inretrospect, they hold a very respectable outspoken approach to modern politics.
They take aim at regressive far-right policies, hateful rhetoric towards refugees and the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the destruction of our planet by exploitative corporations.
The quintet have been working extremely hard in the background, have recently resurfaced with an absolutely crucifying E.P and, I am all here for it.
“And Yet The Earth Remained” is a representation of everything that Viatorem are passionate about, political and societal themes that still plague us today, including the rising threat of fascist movements around the world.
Firstly, I ought to express how grateful I am of this utterly hammering and totally throbbing delight. I welcomed this jumbo slab of outstanding metal at maximum amplification through my headphones, it was indeed the only way.
Secondly, POW!
Enough dribble from me, let’s get to the music, because it’s positively belting!
“Cult Of Delusion” opens the E.P and after about 30 seconds of intro it becomes instantly apparent some serious thought and attention to detail had been applied, not just with this track either. The sound structure is vastly clean, it’s deliciously palatable. The groove and pace just stomps at everything, it chunks, chunks away and you can only imagine my face. Umph. The layering of the vocals just adds more girth, it’s so wonderfully heavy, devoted and did I mention heavy?! Mate, those drops are pure filth and if you’re not moving after half way through, are you even a metal head?!
Next track “Trigger Discipline” comes into play and the tone of those guitars are offering more weight. Pip and Serge completely understand the assignment at hand and together are the perfect recipe for a complete distribution of destruction.
The groove and time signature moves just excited me, I am goop at this stage of the E.P. They really have pulled off the technicalities with their talented techniques and again, cleverly approached their overall sound offering only the biggest of belts to your whole EVERYTHING.
“Postmortal” follows and what a monster of sheer force, unconditionally turning the spotlight on their diversities and detailing even further. Some serious talent is embedded within this group and they are not just here for those salivating drops. The keyboard samples float lovely behind the music and they are balanced with refinement, not sounding overbearing in the slightest.
Gehenna” closes this 17 minute masterpiece and it’s beautifully constructed and runs consistent to the others, however, they do tap into some decent cleans. Remaining as heavy as it gets but by adding little flutters of cleans, it really works. Viatorem are standing strong and passionate in their beliefs and it totally shines through the music they have carved together with this E.P.
Let’s say 3-4 years since their previous release and what an absolute achievement, they should be in every single way proud. All their ideas, hard work combined has resulted in a face melting release and has totally paid off. Viatorem have set a faultless pinnacle standard with “And Yet The Earth Remained” which is definitely a cut above the rest.
Line Up
Finn – Drums Rodrigo – Bass Ross – Vocals Pip – Guitar Serge – Guitar
Download: SPOTIFY: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/via…
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.lnk.to/isp9mp
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/viatoremuk/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ViatoremUK/
