UMUR
"Posthuman" is the debut full-length studio album by UK experimental extreme metal act Void. Void is the brainchild of OCD (Matt Jarman) who plays all instruments on the album. The vocals are handled by Ionman aka Kvohst aka Mathew McNerney who is also known for his vocal contributions to releases by Dødheimsgard and Code. "Posthuman" was released through Nocturnal Art Productions in May 2003 and was produced by Matt Jarman at Dissident Sound Industries.
The music on "Posthuman" is a mix of twisted experimental extreme metal and electronica. I can´t help thinking about Ephel Duath, Control Human Delete or The Axis of Perdition but Void definitely have a sound of their own. References to Dødheimsgard and Code are also inevitable because of Mathew McNerney´s unique vocal style. The drums on the album are programmed and they are not programmed to sound like "real" drums in the absence of a human drummer. The programmed drums are meant to sound "programmed" and artificial. There´s a strong electronica element on the album because of this. The overall sound on the album is still twisted and experimental extreme metal though. The music is somewhat rooted in black metal but of the more experimental kind. The vocals are aggressive and the clean vocal sections are kept to an absolute minimum. The guitar riffs are often dissonant and adventurous and the Voivod influences are more than obvious. There´s a cold futuristic sci-fi atmosphere about the album which is only enhanced by the atmospheric samples and industrial sounds that are also a part of the soundscape. Song titles like "Cypher", "Neutron Flux", "Future Horror Aura" and "Zero Signal Pattern" also give away the sci-fi theme.
The production is perfect for the music. Cold, clinical and futuristic.
"Posthuman" is an excellent release by Void and if you really want to challenge yourself with some truly unique experimental extreme metal "Posthuman" more than applies. A 4 - 4.5 star (85%) rating is fully deserved.