VAMPILLIA — Rule The World / Deathtiny Land (review)

VAMPILLIA — Rule The World / Deathtiny Land album cover

Album · 2011 · Avant-garde Metal

4/5 · 2011-06-30
J-Man

Vampillia is an interesting band, and Rule The World/Deathtiny Land is certainly an interesting observation. As one of the few metal bands from Japan, Vampillia explores a style of avant-garde metal that has remained previously untouched. This one is only recommended to those who crave the weird, adventurous, and extremely challenging side of music. The majority of Rule The World/Deathtiny Land is hardly even a metal release, but instead explores the most extreme variants of classical and avant-garde music, making for an exceptionally challenging and intriguing listen. Rule The World/Deathtiny Land certainly isn't for everyone, but for anyone craving something a little bit (or a hell of a lot) different from what they're used to, this effort from Vampillia is worth checking out.

The music played here is honestly unlike anything I've ever heard. Melancholic and beautiful piano/violin pieces are present throughout the album, but in the blink of an eye a chaotic storm of avant-garde madness with noisy drums, operatic vocals, and dense orchestral soundscapes will penetrate your ears. I've heard Vampillia compared to Unexpect a few times, and although that's the closest comparison I can think of, Vampillia is generally even more experimental and unconventional than those avant-metal veterans. Rule The World/Deathtiny Land is a concept release of sorts, and there are a few recurring themes and reprises that make the release feel more like a cohesive single composition than a collection of songs. Despite the eclecticism and "seemingly" random musical influences, Rule The World/Deathtiny Land reveals itself as a consistent release after multiple spins. Don't go into this EP expecting "love at first sight" - this one is a grower for sure. After my first listen I really only enjoyed the classical piano/violin tracks, but I certainly have warmed up to the avant-metal sections and consider them an essential part of this observation. I feel like I'm always on my toes waiting for dissonance and chaos to enter during any of the more melancholic sections of the EP. And if those crazy avant-metal sections don't enter, the soft songs are pure bliss!

Production-wise, Rule The World/Deathtiny Land is a bit unique. The sound here is a bit lo-fi (especially during the heavier sections with drums and guitars) without ever sounding weak. Softer sections always sound crystal-clear, and the more chaotic portions of the album are enhanced further by the rather unpolished production. I applaud the original approach taken here behind the soundboard.

Rule The World/Deathtiny Land wasn't an easy first acquaintance, but it's revealed itself as a terrific avant-metal effort from Vampillia. I feel like this EP always keeps me on my toes, and that's exactly what a good avant-garde release should do. I'd only recommend this to people looking for an adventurous listen - and for this audience, this can easily be considered an essential purchase. A love for classical music, avant-garde, and extreme metal will be required to enjoy this release, and even then it's not guaranteed. All I know is that this is an extremely high-quality product that I'd recommend in a heartbeat. 4 stars are well-deserved for this terrific EP.