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Uniquely Australian, expectedly modern and fittingly chaotic, Void Of Vision have become an integral part of the local alternative scene, and yet remain an odd and unpredictable case study. The band keeps on experimenting with genres and influences but despite the stubborn venturing into unfamiliar territories, they have shaped a very distinctive sound and occupy a very specific niche in the market. Fairly consistent with album and EP releases since their jump from Epitaph Records to UNFD, they remain somewhat distant from wider audiences or higher praise, but determined to cement their position as uncontainable dark horse with their fourth official full-lenght album What I'll Leave Behind.
Relentless, frenzied and volatile, this LP is easily Void Of Vision's most honest and authentic to date, showing a band true to themselves and fully aware of their future ambitions and past legacies. It is a logical continuation of the CHRONICLES trilogy, taking a firm step forward with the creative freedom required for such effort. Led by the equally charismatic and enigmatic Jack Bergin, What I'll Leave Behind can bee seen as a reflection of his fragile mind, a post-existential crisis revelation switching between intimate confessions and furious tirades without warnings, and swinging from raging metalcore breakdowns and bouncy nu metal riffage to soaring indie choruses and raving industrial transitions.
There is no secret that Bergin is a troubled musician with a tortured soul, a state fuelled by health issues and frquent wake-up call, which is usually the recipe for the most honest and introspective pieces of art. Heavily influenced by the nu metal greats of the recent past, his singing, shrieking, whispers and overal vocal range echo the voices of Manson, Davies, Chester and Wayne (for yet another sad reminder of all talents lost too soon...). This has been the case in past releases but is even more prevalent in What I'll Leave Behind that sees Void Of Vision transforming into a powerful amalgamation of the likes of Static-X, Linkin Park and Korn over a solid metalcore foundation and wrapped with a smooth electro-pop allure that is impossible to mistake.
Upon the release, Bergin himself took it to IG to share his thoughts on the premiere, stating that "this is the quintessential Void Of Vision record, a fully realised version of the band that has been formed over a decade [...] navigating through many versions of what we could be, a lot of experimentations and learning", and also that he was "immensely proud" of what could end up as "the most important body of work" he will ever be a part of. With this in mind and considering all events surrounding Jack and the band from the last few years, listening closely to this album in its entirety makes it even more apparent just how open, vulnerable and important it really is.
Bergin goes on to doubt whether this LP will get positive appreciation and reception but this seems like his only mistake here, for What I'll Leave Behind is exactly what every existing fan of Void Of Vision should have expected and wanted to hear from them in 2024. The only logical continuation of Hyperdaze (2019) and CHRONICLES (2023) in musical and lyrical aspect, the album sees them jump right back into the chaos they left last year, both with the intense promo singles like 'Angel of Darkness', 'Empty', 'Gamma Knife' and 'Blood For Blood', but also with new ragers like 'Oblivion', 'Supernova', 'Midnight Sweat' and 'Neurotic'.
Gallopping riffs, huge sing-along choruses, smooth electronics, maniacal transitions, rich ambiance, the whole LP is signature Void Of Vision from start to finish. It might not bring new fans to the tribe or open fresh possibilities, but is certain to strenghten the band's place at the local and international scenes even further, be it as the permanent underdogs where they seem to thrive best. Time will tell whether Void Of Vision continue in the same direction or venture into new territories, but either way it better be as fresh, honest and purposeful as just displayed in What I'll Leave Behind.
Void Of Vision - 'What I'll Leave Behind
Country: Australia
Released: 20 September 2024
Label: UNFD
Tracklisting:
1. Oblivion
2. Blood for Blood
3. Supernova
4. Neurotic
5. Gamma Knife
6. Beautiful Things
7. Empty
8. Midnight Sweat
9. Decades
10. Angel of Darkness
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