"Vanilla" by Face Off (Review)

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ALBUM: "Vanilla"
YEAR RELEASED: 2012
RECORD LABEL: n/a
ALBUM TYPE: LP
* * * * * * (6 out of 10 stars)



Tonight, we review an album from the far reaches of Belgrade, Serbia. The band is Face Off, and they have put together an excellent collection of tracks for their first album. As of this review, the album remains untitled.


At first glance, the album seems to be a rather general, rather normal array of female-fronted alternative and fairly heavy, fairly rhythmic metal composition. However, once you dive deeper into the album, you start to see that Face Off is much more than an “early 2000’s” melodic metal band trying to secure a spot on the Century Media roster. The songs are highly emotional and full of depth. If you are not a fan of complimentary song writing, this may not be the record for you. I, on the other hand, happen to enjoy the style very much.

The music that backs the lead vocals is entirely on cue, for the most part… At times, the guitars can seem to stray just a bit from the mix. Oddly enough, this actually adds to the intensely raw and emotional feel of the music. If you have read my prior reviews, you are no stranger to the fact that an album’s “feel” is quite important to the experience of an album. The guitar tracks are beautifully recorded, and well-disciplined. Stefan Vitasovic seems to be fully aware that he could steal the show entirely, but he only does so when the time is right. Not overdone, but not underdone. The guitars play a pivotal role in the recording, and help drive each track forward. Slow and steady, adding variety when necessary. Nice work, sir.

The album really seems to pick up with the third track, “Close Enough.” The first two tracks are good, but this is where the album really starts to show you exactly which direction it is taking you. “War against War” and “The Innocence” are also noteworthy. Nothing phenomenal, but both songs are enjoyable listens. “Voices” is definitely one of the heavy hitting tracks of the album. Acting as the midpoint of the album, it embodies fully the angst-driven, frantic beauty of Face Off’s debut album. After finishing this track and diving next into the song “Fragile,” you start to realize that you are definitely on a painful, rocky and turbulent road to recovery; one bruise at a time.

Lastly, I would like to finally comment on the vocals. Marja Kovacevic provides a very soothing and angelic overtone to the dreary world of distorted chaos that surrounds her. Although a woman’s voice can often add just the right mix of estrogen to a world in which they are the quite obviously the minority, there is something different. She has just the right mix of power and vulnerability. It is pleasantly surprising and downright startling at times. Despite the despairing subject matter of certain tracks, she seems to be staring straight into your eyes, with the steadiest of hands, to tell you exactly what is on her mind. Very calming, granted you enjoy the presence of a strong, confident woman.

All in all, this is definitely an album that is worth a listen. You can check out the previews on their web site, listed below. Expect to hear more from this Serbian trio on 339metal on the future. Also, stay tuned in to 339metal radio, and you may just hear a track or two from this very disc in rotation for your auditory pleasure.

Cheers!

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