Album Review: The Void

For a debut, The Void by 3000 AD is one hell of a kick arse release. Not only does it deliver everything you could ever want from a metal album, elements of punk and thrash will also satisfy the most hardcore head bangers amongst us.

Driven along by extremely controlled riffing, opening track 3000 AD kicks things off nicely with very powerful vocals and solid drumming. Even with the unmistakable influence of metal greats Metallica being prominent, there’s a distinctly fresh flavour to 3000 AD’s formidable sound.

Picking up the pace Cells leans more towards the hardcore punk end of 3000 AD’s musical spectrum. Nuanced timing changes and an intense unrelenting energy throughout this track will keep punters fully engaged.

The live feel and ¾ time signature in The Network reminds me a lot of Iron Maiden’s straightforward no nonsense approach to metal. Scott Austin’s precision bass playing perfectly combined with tight drum fills and intricate guitar breaks is indicative of a very well-practiced unit.

A clean guitar intro sets a sombre tone for Who’s Watching? Elements of interest such as an inspired middle eight and an awesome guitar solo closing out the track are a nice change up to this predominantly punk offering.

Building up across its entire length, These Fires effectively showcase Hellmore Bones’ comprehensive vocal and drumming abilities. The lead singer does both exceptionally well, particularly when he eases back into the downbeat and his vocal carries the song.

Incorporating many of the fundamentals that make hardcore music great, The World We Knew is a perfect blend of metal sub-genres and stonking time signatures. If this track doesn’t get the mosh pit amping, nothing will.

Guitarist Sam Pryor utilises some superbly sinister chords in the standout track, Journeys. Bordering at times on technical death metal, numerous pace changes and an old school fade out will leave listeners wanting more.

Instrumental Born Under A Black Sun is a good way to end what is an outstanding debut album. Slightly reminiscent of Orion, the superb balance and precise recording here is replicated across the entire eight-track album.

While the subjects 3000 AD sing about have been well traversed, these three not-so-quiet achievers from Christchurch have cut their own musical path to deliver what is a monumental metal album. Make sure you check it out today.