All I knew about VOLTAX was a couple of 30 second clips that indicated 'trad metal', but since I had a chance to score a free copy, I figured hey, why not check it out- and I'm glad I did!For those who, like me, aren't familiar with VOLTAX, these Mexican defenders of steel play straight-up, unabashed 80s heavy metal. No, it's not a groundbreaking fusion of styles and influences creating something new and unique but it is damn good, and here's why.....
Let's start with the basics. The musicianship is very strong; no weak links in the lineup. The songwriting is equally impressive; it's very easy when playing traditional 80s metal to churn out cookie cutter songs that get repetitive or formulaic. That's not the case here; the band incorporates just enough tempo changes, breaks, and small fills to ensure the tunes never become monotonous. The production is loud and strong, which ensures the songs get that extra punch added to the delivery. Finally, the band avoids sounding like a retro-rehash act; while there's no doubting they have an 80s Metal Heart, their music is infused with enough of a modern feel to make it sound fresh and relevant. Again, I don't have many reference points to work with for the Mexican metal scene, but I am reminded of two Brazilian power metal acts who also do a great job of building strong, new, metal hot rods on an 80s chassis; HIBRIA and VIPER (circa 'Evolution').
Turning now to the songs, the band shows that they understand how to build an album of this style. You want to get the listener's attention quickly, and VOLTAX do so with the anthemic barnburner 'Unmerciful Reign'; it takes less than 30 seconds for this song to start flat-out kicking your ass, with a heavy, ringing riff driven along at the perfect headbanging pace as some high screams come over the top and propel you into the heart of the storm. The pounding, loud 'n proud delivery coupled with the somewhat rough, high vocals should conjure up memories of classic ACCEPT or other Northern European greats. Honestly, had I not known where the band hailed from, I would have guessed Germany or Belgium- that's the kind of steel being forged here! The next few songs left off the throttle but just a little, delivering strong tunes one after another. The music has a very blue-collar 'street vibe' that again merits a comparison to the gutsy, Wheels of Steel style of HIBRIA. THe fast songs are spread out perfectly to pace the album so things never drag but never become a blur either. Again, getting the running order right is important on albums like this; screw it up and your album quickly starts gathering dust on the shelf. You don't want all the gems stuck on one side, or all the speedy numbers crammed up front, etc. VOLTAX knows what they're doing, and they know how to execute.
No, not every song is an instant classic, but several deserve mention. Besides the pounding opener, 'DXM' and 'A World Gone Mad' prove the band doesn't have to rely on high speed breakouts to deliver the goods, as these numbers are pacier but very well structured. 'Acero Immortal' (one of two songs with spanish lyrics) is a high-octane thriller, and closer 'Midnight Wheels' ensures the album rides into the sunset on a blazing high note, again delivery speedy, hammering metal.
In closing, all I can say is that anyone wanting a solid, great-sounding slab of true oldschool metal should definitely give 'Fugitive State of Mind' a listen. It may not be cutting-edge or avant-garde or mind-expanding, but it will remind you just how FUN undiluted Heavy Metal can be to listen to. Seriously, if you aren't reaching for your favorite air guitar within 60 seconds of hitting Play as your minds fills up with memories of 'Fast as A Shark' and 'Motorcycle Man', well, you're steel is just not true
If VOLTAX are at all representative of modern Mexican Metal, then I definitely need to school myself on the scene.
