MORDRED — Volition (review)

MORDRED — Volition album cover EP · 2020 · Funk Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Volition" is an EP release by US, California based thrash/alternative/funk metal act Mordred. The EP was independently released in July 2020. Mordred formed in 1984 and disbanded in 1995 after releasing three full-length studio albums and a string of minor releases. They reunited in the 2001-2007 period, but no new studio output was recorded during that period. Mordred reunited again in 2013 and released "The Baroness" single in 2015, as their first release featuring new original material in 21 years (they released "The Demos 1986-1988" compilation in 2014, but as the title suggests it didn´t feature any new original material). Since the release of "The Next Room" (1994), which was their last release before their 1995 split-up, there have been two lineup changes. Drummer Gannon Hall has been replaced by Jeff Gomes, and original lead vocalist Scott Holderby has returned, replacing Paul Kimball who sang on "The Next Room" (1994).

"Volition" features four new original compositions, although one of the tracks is "The Baroness" from the 2015 single of the same name. This version of "The Baroness" is an alternate recording though, and it´s quite different from the original 2015 single version of the song. "Not for You" opens the EP with a great thrashy riff and some nice turntable scratching, before Holderby´s distinct sounding talking/singing vocals kick-in. A great energetic and powerful track and the most thrash metal oriented track on the EP. "What Are We Coming To" follows and it´s a very different sounding track, as it´s an electronic/keyboard track with some effect laden rap styled vocals on top. It features a sinister gloomy atmosphere, which is the greatest asset of the track. I´m not a huge fan of this style of music, but it´s decent enough for variation. "The Love of Money", features an alternative metal style with more melodic vocals. It´s a great quality track (make sure to watch the official music video for this track, which is pretty great). The above mentioned "The Baroness" closes the EP, and it´s an absolute beauty of a track (and like "Not for You" it´s a thrash metal oriented track). I especially enjoy how the band employ the use of riot gang vocals in such an effective way. The funk element of the band´s sound is heard on all of the tracks (except for "What Are We Coming To").

"Volition" is a well produced release, featuring a powerful, clear, and detailed sound production, which suits the material perfectly. "What Are We Coming To" drags my rating down just a bit, but other than that track "Volition" is quite the brilliant release and fully shows that Mordred still have a lot to offer after their long break. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.
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