Atra Vetosus are from Launceston in Tasmania.
On their website they have described themselves as “melodic black metal” and they are exactly that. Their debut album Voices from the eternal night has all aspects of a good black metal album and they are extreme to the fullest. They started off as a two-piece band but recruited three new members which have certainly helped them achieve what they have so far.
Atra Vetosus has a unique sound that can compare to the early days of Cradle of Filth with quick guitars, tight drumming, powerful vocals, and their use of keys and sound imagery. The guitar work is not just blasting tremolo picking, it has amazing tones which to stick with you as I kept finding myself humming some of the guitar work, solo work is also of good quality in this album. The use of keys in line with the tremolo picking certainly helps set the scene and the second guitar they have some very effective undertones. The drumming/bass is very tight and played well.
I have left the vocals until last for one reason only remember the saying “Save the best for last?” That is what is happening, the vocalist is amazing his harsh vocals will rip you to shreds especially when he gets very high and very loud, just the pure raw emotion of the vocals lets the listener know that the vocalist has something to say and you better listen or else.
Atra Vetosus also have a quiet acoustic interlude and outro to the album which fits very well and they also use different acoustics and mood music throughout the album. As for stand-out tracks, I think it depends on the listener as I didn’t hear a stand-out as the whole album is great overall.
A very solid debut for the boys from Atra Vetosus and I expect a lot more coming from these guys.
Atra Vetosus: Facebook
Release Year: 2013
Label: Immortal Frost Productions
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Brent Logan
