Released on: 9th August 2019
You would not believe the career Velvet Acid Christ has had. From humble beginnings in 1990 VAC have remained triumphantly unscathed by modern pop culture coming up thirty-years now. Which is a testament to the staying power of the groups lead Bryan Erickson. Especially when you consider that more lauded acts have canned the music biz in lieu of greener pastures.
When Bryan has the passion of Velvet Acid Christ underhand the music is greater than any wine. And Ora Oblivionis is very much like the product from a favourite vineyard. An analogy I am not going to delve too deep into because its only purpose is to say that this album has a rich familiar taste. One with a hint (read: intoxicating amount) of lemon and a touch of The Cure. But, you know what, I could not enjoy any new VAC album any other way.
The production values on this new album are punchy and crisp. A thing with VAC’s work that has increased exponentially since the groups early days. And yet the instrumentation would fit quite snuggly on to the earlier VAC albums. Here however they are made to strike fear into the hearts of compressors and equalizers alike. Creating an ionized atmosphere between hardware and your own wetware; Thicc is the word.
The composition of the new album has VAC aligned to the rustic sounds of EBM with an in-depth understanding of what makes goths tick. And with a bit of a goofy vibe. Provided by schlock samples taken from films you’ve likely not heard of. Varied? Check. Cohesive? Double check.
Ora Oblivionis is a heavily nuanced album and is a fine addition into the ever expanding Velvet Acid Christ catalogue. With the foundations of this album set firmly in the groups origins. It is the culmination of all the work Erickson and company have put into making VAC a cult favourite. With its dark themes and goofy remits Ora Oblivionis is the logical next step in the development of a modern day industrial pioneer.
9/10
