Vision Of Disorder

It's not hard to figure that Vision Of Disorder were one of two Long Island Hardcore bands (along with Glassjaw) that have managed to influence a ridiculous number of current bands while remaining relatively dismissed outside of their scene during their original time as a band. The first 2 Vision of Disorder records had a sound all their own at the time. Combining the fury of metalcore with a focus on the charismatic vocals of Time Williams. Many bands have tried to use this sound and very few have managed to get it quite right.

So after nearly 10 years away from recording and regular touring the band have fully returned. There are many questions that come with a band reuniting but the real question for anyone familiar with VOD while likely be what exactly they will sound like. over the years the went from a heavier sound to putting out their third and final record (prior to breaking up) that contained a sound more akin to a metalcore version of Alice In Chains with a stronger focus on melodic vocals as opposed to the forceful screams that carried their songs prior. This was followed by the band Bloodsimple which seemed to be some of the members striking towards a more mainstream sound.

So here we are, The Cursed Remain Cursed, a return of the band with a new label. The good news is this is probably the record that fans would've clamored for during the bands first go around. This is probably, incidentally, what most fans would've expected their third LP to sound like. Everything that made the band stick out and so influential after their demise is still intact.

The biggest thing to note is the outright fury that the band seems to play with. The first 5 songs carry a rage that is palpable while allowing for moments of truly emotional melodic vocals to act as a counterpoint for the intensity of Tim Williams distressed screams. Meanwhile the guitars react to this by playing the gamut from melodic yet strong leads to absolutely destructive breakdowns. Everything that VOD had made for themselves is here from front to back.

The album contains a strong set of songs overall while containing a few missteps. The biggest would be when they get more melodic than heavy for example in "Skullz Out" the melodic vocals take over but have an almost grunting effect given to them. This makes the song sound almost like an outtake from your favorite (or least favorite) active rock radio band. This is unfortunate as many of these bands have stolen these tricks from VOD (more than likely without even knowing it).

Overall this is an unexpected but very pleasant return to form. A year ago one could not have entirely expected a new record from this band let alone one that is this strong from front to back. This is worth a listen and one can only hope that the band is noticed this time around.

7.6 / 10 — Jon E.