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Released on May 6, 2016 via Earache Records
Vektor is back with a new dose of blackened sci-fi prog thrash, but this time it’s a little more than that. Their latest opus, Terminal Redux, was released on May 6, 2016. This time around, singer/guitarist David DiSanto decided to expand upon an idea from one of the band’s previous songs, and build an entire concept album around it. Terminal Redux continues the themes that appeared within the lyrics of the title track from previous album, Outer Isolation.
Terminal Redux is a stretch for Vektor, not only in concept, but also in scope. Many would want to compare this album because of its subject matter to classic concept albums of the past like 2112 by Rush or Operation: Mindcrime by Queensrÿche. Instead, Terminal Redux mix of on-the-edge sci-fi and fantasy for me sits more like Voivod’s Dimension Hatross, or any of the albums from French tech death metallers Wormed. The story begins with a lone astronaut, progresses through the Cygnus regime, a power-hungry tyrant, life-rejuvenating molecules from the stellar nebula, and more delving deep into the imagination of singer/guitarist David DiSanto. The fantastic cover art by Adam Burke, depicting a flaming inter-stellar war ship, perfectly illustrates the concept of the album’s content.
Terminal Redux is relentless in its attack and its complexity. Each track is layers upon layers of furious riffing. Vektor push their own limits and stretch their boundaries to bring the concept of this record to fruition. Opening track ‘Charging the Void’ is great example of all this, with its nine-minute plus length and backup vocals from Philadelphia soul singers. They are used on another track also, as well as DiSanto’s rarely heard clean vocals. The terminal shifts in velocity come repeatedly on tracks like ‘LCD (Liquid Crystal Disease)’, or even slows “drifting through space” speed on ‘Collapse’. ‘Recharging the Void’ is the epic conclusion the album deserves, encompassing everything from the previous nine tracks.
This album, like many concept albums, is hard to pick apart. The best way to experience the album is to listen to it in its entirety, while reading along with the lyrics, because of its continuous story. For any band, doing a concept album is an ambitious undertaking. Vektor has stepped up to the challenge and delivered a beautifully psychotic album as deep in story as it is in quality of delivery. David DiSanto’s vision has been realized, and it expands the range of what Vektor’s music can be.
