Album Review: Vanishing Point - Dead Elysium

Already a remarkably consistent outfit, Melbourne melodic prog metal veterans Vanishing Point return six years and some line-up changes removed from their previous full-length - and they haven't missed a step.

Dead Elysium has all the hallmarks of the Vanishing Point sound - hooks so large they could catch Moby Dick, thoughtful guitar lines, moments of passionate crowd interaction and metalcore breakdowns. Ok, one of those is a lie.

Actually, this is a group that knows its audience, and knows it well. Opening with the potent one-two of the title track and Count Your Days, the album reinforces their accomplished songwriting and musicianship. Heavy guitars and tasty orchestral flourishes mesh with plenty of soul-baring emotion, while it's all capped off by Silvio Massaro's soaring vocals. He could sing the dictionary and still convince you that he means it, elevating the likes of atmospheric The Ocean and already incisive hard rock chorus of Salvus.

An hour of such bombastic, sweeping fare won't necessarily be for the newcomer. However, Dead Elysium is a timely reminder that while band members are temporary and trends float in and out of favour, strong songs endure. Welcome back, lads - just don't keep us waiting so long for the next release, perhaps?