The fun side of metal does not get enough attention. The doom and gloom, intensity, anger, and aggressiveness, all of these are associated with heavy music. Metal bands who actually focus on energy and something exciting with varying emotions rarely get as much focus. It may have taken a fantastic journey to Eurovision to finally get a spotlight, but Voyager has proved it’s still possible to make something infectious and fun while being heavy.
Fearless In Love, the band’s eighth studio album is the blend of electronica, riffs, and volume that sets Voyager apart from many prog bands. The album’s story and incorporated style through the runtime sets Voyager apart from many power metal bands. When “Promise” was featured on Eurovision and got the group the big attention they have worked for years to obtain, it proved there is still a market for this style.
At 44 minutes (a brief album for some prog fans), Fearless In Love swells with high points. “Ultraviolet” ft. Sean Harmanis is equal parts guitar play and sing-a-long as well as deep groove. “Prince Of Fire” incorporates great key work along with riffs, all laid out with an impending sinister mood. The variety in style and attitude makes you continue and want to hear more.
Only the final track “Gren” surpasses five minutes, and with shorter track times Fearless In Love leaves less time to get lost. The vocal performance from Daniel Estrin is well-executed and swells at the right moments. While this electronic and vibrant mood is the true star, I admit I was hoping for more flashes of brilliance from the guitars. That is a nitpick however as there is still plenty to enjoy from riffs and solos.
