Western Violence by VAZUM: Album Review

by admin June 21, 2024

June 21, 2024

Detroit duo VAZUM are hurling vengeance at the anxieties and frustrations of contemporary America in their latest album, Western Violence.

In Western Violence, 9 tracks that VAZUM wrote from their Southern US, UK, and France tour. Each song functions as a shard of truth, reflecting the chaos back at us.

The album explodes with the title track, like a storm cloud descending, fueled by heavy, grinding riffs and Pliska’s hoarse vocals that drip with menace. The lyrics are catchy, as they burrow into your brain even as they threaten and intimidate.

“Embryo” throws a curveball with a heady mix of rebellion and revelry. It’s a dancefloor-ready groove punctuated by Sturm’s playful and catchy vocalizations that weave between the hoarse vocals of Pliska and blaring guitars and pounding drums.

VAZUM showcases their versatility with the dancey “Blush” and exhilarating “Done.” “Blush” is a dancey dreamscape driven by swirling guitars and uplifting energy, while “Done” has shimmering guitar riffs intertwining with Sturm’s ethereal and soulful soaring vocals.

But the darkness never truly fades. “Exile” throws us back into the fray with blistering guitars, punishing drums, and Pliska’s demonic growls. Western Violence comes to a close with “Precious Ones.” The riffs twist and turn with a sinister confidence, mirroring the ominous lyrics delivered by Pliska’s hoarse voice. Eerie harmonies add a layer of unsettling beauty, a haunting reminder of the precious things we stand to lose in this chaotic world.

With Western Violence, VAZUM confronts our governments and shows us how to express our discontent.