Vulture Industries – Ghosts from the Past

I was first exposed to Vulture Industries back in 2013 when, out of curiosity, I attended the tour with another relatively unknown band at the time, Leprous. Although the attendance was disappointingly low for such exceptional bands, coming all the way from Norway, Vulture Industries gave an unforgettable performance in front of a small crowd of 20 people who had arrived early enough to catch them. I still remember lead singer Bjørnar Erevik Nilsen going off stage and locking eyes with me mid-performance. While those memories have faded over the years, the band’s presence on Facebook and YouTube, where they did live shows during and after the pandemic (with Bjørnar himself occasionally scaring passersby outside the venue during one of the gigs), reignited my interest.

When Vulture Industries announced their new album, “Ghosts from the Past”, I was excited to dive back in and ensure they still possessed the magic that had captivated me since I saw them live last time.

The album wastes no time, opening with the track ‘New Lords of Light’. It immediately delves into the madness that defines this album. The song begins with a riff-heavy introduction followed by a quieter verse featuring punchy bass lines (played brilliantly by Kyrre Teigen) and vocals, keeping the focus on the lyrics and establishing the dark theme of the album. The song showcases the trademark ‘Vulture Industries’ sound, characterised by theatrical vocals and simple yet catchy guitar riffs. The music video is also capturing the style of the band quite well.

The drums, played by Tor Helge Gjengedal, always distinct on this album, provide a rhythmic foundation that makes the listeners nod their heads. The song concludes with a tasteful solo that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

The second song, ‘Saturn Devouring his Young’, starts with an almost classic rock intro, evoking a Black Sabbath vibe. Then, a dancing, simple yet effective guitar riff enters the mix, complementing the vocals and drums without overpowering them. The song explores the themes of power, war, and the narcissism of those in power, channelling that energy into lyrics like:

“Like Saturn devouring his young, to have his glory go on, while weeping crocodile tears for his expendable sons.” 

The vocal harmonies shine in this song, and the a cappella outro creates a mournful atmosphere, paying homage to the lives lost in senseless wars.

‘This Hell is Mine’, the third song, surprises with its brass sections during the choruses, contrasting with the quiet verses. Once again, Vulture Industries showcase their remarkable storytelling ability through heavy lyrics about the common person choosing comfort over change, enhanced by theatrical vocal arrangements. The brass sections contribute to a weighty atmosphere during the choruses.

The subsequent tracks, ‘Deeper’ and ‘Right here in the Dark’, lead us on a journey to the depths, away from the sky. The band masterfully sets the mood, using brass instruments to heighten tension and employing softer vocals during the quieter parts. These songs show how good Vulture Industries are at creating immersive music performances.

The second to last song, ‘Not by Blood, but by Words’, offers solace before the finale. This quieter track features almost whispering vocals, providing listeners with a moment to pause and rest from the intense journey.
“Please sit with me here beneath the olive tree while the world goes by”, it suggests.

The closing song, ‘Tyrants Weep Alone’, begins with a quieter intro, almost as a continuation of the previous song, followed by a melodic first chorus before transitioning into a faster and more dynamic second verse. This is where the band’s avant-garde nature shines through, as the song structure shifts along with the tense mood. The distinct snare-driven drum groove pulsates throughout the song, leading us toward the climax, accompanied by tasteful guitar harmonies before gradually returning to silence once again.

This album is definitely a journey worth taking. The band does what it does best over the course of 7 songs, and does it damn well. The album is defined by its dark and enigmatic themes, complemented by theatrical vocals, high-energy drums and bass, and exquisite guitar riffs. These elements combine to create a distinctive Vulture Industries sound that captivates me again after all these years. The band’s storytelling prowess and ability to create a dark fantasy story about power and the struggles of ordinary people is guiding us through this journey. If you are a fan of darker progressive and avant-garde music, I definitely recommend giving this album a go. You won’t be disappointed.

Track List:

1. New Lords of Light
2. Saturn Devouring His Young
3. This Hell is Mine
4. Deeper
5. Right Here in the Dark
6. Not by Blood, But by Words
7. Tyrants Weep Alone