Getting to dive into The Veer Union's new album "Reinvention" was a great introduction to the band's sound. I put this album on during the drive to work, and as soon as the growl and breakdown hit on "My Empire," I immediately turned the volume up and rolled the windows down, probably exactly how the band would want it played, and it didn't take long to realize this was a record meant to be heard loud.
The Vancouver-based alternative metal group has spent years refining their sound and style, and Reinvention shows how they continue to evolve while staying true to what makes them recognizable. From the first listen, the whole album felt like more than just music. It felt like an experience, with some songs resonating more than others.
The vocals and production really come through across the album. Everything sounds clear even during the heavy moments, and the mix feels well balanced from top to bottom. The songs feel fuller and well-rounded with the band's ability to harmonize with each other, taking their music to a whole new level.
The songwriting feels genuine, from the melodies to the heartfelt lyrics. The synths add an atmospheric vibe to the instrumentals, contributing a spacey layering to the music, giving it a cinematic feel. It's authentic and fresh.
The band moves easily between melody and heaviness, which keeps the album engaging all the way through. There are times when it almost feels like you're on the way to a final boss fight in a dark fantasy world with tension building up before the heavier sections kick in.
In my opinion, "Venom In My Veins" is one of the best songs on the album; with its funky groove, it keeps you moving along with the song the whole time. The riffs are steady and full, ending low to tie the song up with a neat bow. The song has a natural flow and takes a breath at just the right times, making the heavier sections more impactful. The chorus is emotionally raw, and Crispin Earl's screams shine in this song, rounding the song out with a compelling balance between the harsher vocals and grittier sounds and the softer melodies. The contrast in the duality of the cleaner and the harsher vocal adds depth and keeps it fresh until the very end.
You're the venom in my veins
I'll free myself from all your poisoning
You'll circle down the drain
I'll wash the tainted blood before it stains
I am the sun when you are just the rain
I'm drowning, the pain
Cause I am, I'm the hurricane
"Sunk Your Teeth In" starts off by easing you in with piano and soft melodic vocals. In the beginning it is almost haunting before building into something far bigger. The chorus is strong and catchy; it sticks with you long after the song is over. Two parts of this song that really stood out to me were the lines "You fed me to the fear I'm fearing / Reasons for believing / Revealing, stealing this heart that I've been healing / I let my guard down again" and Ryan's guitar solo, whose riffs really finish out the song and elevate it to a whole new level.
"Caught In The Crossfire" opens with heavier drumming and spacy synths as Earl comes right in with warnings that we have been caught in the crossfire, immediately setting a serious and emotional tone that pulls you into the song. The rhythm is intentional, with steady riffs that build a constant sense of urgency that continues till the end of the track. The chorus comes in with real weight behind it, and the way it rises out of the verses makes the whole song feel purposeful. Lyrically, the song paints a picture of being trapped in the middle of conflict, caught somewhere between love and hate while trying to hold everything together. The lines "caught between the landmines and barbed wire" and "the shrapnel shaped from the words that were spoken" give the song a vivid sense of struggle that matches the theme of the song perfectly.
"Reinvention" is out now on all streaming platforms! If you enjoy alternative metal with deep lyrics and catchy melodies, this is definitely an album worth spending time listening to. Give The Veer Union a listen, check out the music videos for "Venom In My Veins," "Sunk My Teeth In," and "Caught In The Crossfire," and consider supporting The Veer Union by streaming their music and picking up some merch online!
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