Vokonis – Exist Within Light EP
Vokonis – Exist Within Light EP
Majestic Mountain Records
Release Date: 27/10/23
Running Time: 17:31
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
By the time I finally sat down to write up this review, I had listened to Exist Within Light at least half a dozen times! Maybe the new EP being only 17 minutes or so in length was responsible for this, but most definitely because Vokonis are such a fun band to listen to! I’m really excited to have stumbled upon the Swedish natives.
Exist Within Light represents progression for the band. Mainly due to the addition of new guitarist Hedvig, making the former power trio a quartet. This prompted me to check out some of their older back catalogue. The difference in sound is quite noticeable. Being a three piece can be challenging, mainly because there’s no room for slack or sloppiness , as well as there being limited room for creativity. Like a mechanic who only has one spanner, they’ll never reach their full potential than if they had 3, 4, or a dozen. For Vokonis, they’ve expanded their sound and added more progressive and experimental methods, taking full advantage of this creative license.
Which is my favourite song of this album ? Well that’s like asking a mother who her favourite child is! I like them all for very different reasons.
The first track, Houndstooth is an absolute riff fest filled with rather complex compositional and rhythmic patterns thrown in the mix. I think these were only really possible with the additional guitarist, so that demonstrates evolution. There’s changes of pace and dynamics throughout the song, as well vocal textures. Whether it’s the more relaxed yet raspy cleans earlier in the song or the harsher growls towards the end, the versatility is impressive. I can see why the band describe themselves as being FFO of Mastadon (amongst others), as the resemblance is clear.
Revengeful is up next, and is similar to the previous in some ways. I particularly enjoyed the verses earlier in the song, especially with the heavy as hell instrumentation and wall of sound created as all instruments lock in. Much in the same way bands like Pallbearer and Khemmis use heavy instrumentation with calmer vocals over the top, this is what we see here with Simona’s more tranquil cleans. This makes for a fun and aesthetically pleasing contrast. Nice work. The lead guitar is given a creative license too to play some soaring leads that I don’t think would have been possible in the earlier albums. Again, reinforcing that having two guitarists was an excellent addition.
Last but not least, the title track Exist Within Light. This has a gloomier, gothic vibe, yet still feels oddly uplifting. Much in the same way Katatonia write their music, in a progressive doom style. Everything seems to be much slower, with the guitars more ambient and tranquil rather than soul crushing. Creating an excellent finish to the album.
Only 17 minutes or so and 3 songs. I’m wanting more! This was an excellent introduction to the band for me and the album was a genuine pleasure to review. I’ll certainly be keeping my eye out on the group in the future.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Houndstooth
02. Revengeful
03. Exist Within Light
LINE-UP:
Sven Lindsten – Drums
Hedvig Modig – Guitars
Simona Ohlsson – Guitar/Vocals
Oscar Johannesson – Bass
LINKS:
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