Voodoo Six - Simulation Game album revie

Voodoo Six - ‘Simulation Game’

Album review by; Jazmin

After a delayed release due to the global pandemic, (are you sick of hearing about it yet?), British hard rock band Voodoo Six are due to release their 6th studio album, ‘Simulation Game,’ on October 16th. Early support from gargantuan NWOBHM legends Iron Maiden gave the quintet a platform on which to establish themselves, and the continued adoration from bassist Steve Harris shows itself in the appearance of producer Tony Newton and mixer Ade Emsley, both of Maiden and British Lion fame.

The symbiotic relationship however has had only positive effects on the overall sound and feel of the record. The slow, intense build up of the opening track ‘The Traveller’ conjures images of a creeping army of noise, breaching your personal space and invading your ears at 5 and a half minutes long.

‘Gone Forever’ showcases the result of Newton and Emsley’s participation, a 21st century recording with hints of raw and imperfect vibrations that were humbly cherished in the days of analogue warmth. The unpolished finish is a welcoming one, accentuating the wrenching emotion in the addition of fresh vocalist Nik Taylor-Stoakes.

A hardcore opening riff indicates the start of ‘Liar and a Thief,’ a wave of electricity pulsing through your veins that gives the record a new lease of life kickstarting midway through the track listing. The spoken words of ‘…and you ask me how I feel’ has an arousing raspiness to it, making it feel as if the Devil himself were whispering into your ear and making your skin crawl with excitement.

Whilst the songs’ have an alternative structure to them, the guitar riffs and solos that appear throughout exhibit a more hard rock approach and ‘Inherit My Shadow’ is no exception. The soft melodic verses are a stark contrast to the classic opening riffage, giving each song an exhilarating juxtaposition thanks to the work of guitarists Matt Pearce and Craig Price.

A menacing circus-themed riff unfurls into ‘Last to Know,’ the sinister soundtrack that’ll slither its way into your sickly sweet nightmares with its all consuming sense of disquietude.

The album ends on a high note with ‘One of Us,’ a speedy and abrupt end to the record that satiates the senses for just a bittersweet moment, leaving a craving for more.

‘Simulation Game’ is Voodoo Six’s ceaselessly hungry beast, leaving both the bands’ and the listeners musical appetites surely satisfied… for now.

Overall 3.5/5

Preorder from https://smarturl.it/VoodooSix

Due to be released 16th October 2020

Tracklisting:

1. The Traveller

2. Gone Forever

3. Liar and a Thief

4. Inherit My Shadow

5. Last to Know

6. Lost

7. Never Beyond Repair