Vigor – Out of Habit
Lakechurch / Self released – 2011
Rock, Symphonic, Progressive, Metal
Rated: **
It’s all there. The interesting time signatures, the interweaving key parts, the heavy riffs, the slow notes, the jazzy drums, the high vocals and the stereotype lyrics. The only problem with the Out Of Habit record by the Austrian Vigor; it is very poorly recorded, mixed, produced and extremely thin. Unfortunately; otherwise it would rank up there with Spock’s Beard, Flower Kings and Pain of Salvation. Founded in 1994; the group has gone through some line-up changes with only one founding member remaining. And the two others joined as recently as 2008 and 2009. The eclectic and broad mix of genre’s and the choice of incorporated influences is enormous and the ability of the trio shines through with every note. The vocals could use a little bit more work and maybe with an actual bassguitar added the sound would become richer and fuller. But on all other fronts Vigor comes across as a very prolific and talented group of musicians. It’s therefor all the more a shame that the gravelly and ‘open source’ kind of recording deters you from fully appreciating all that is offered. Let’s hope the guys find a way to either redo the masters; or get the opportunity to truly show their stuff on a next record!
