Vectis - The Executioner

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Formed in 2018 “Vectis” hails from Porto, Portugal and delivers unto the world throes of Black-Thrash Metal; “the Executioner” is their first production.  Strewn between two different genres they create a unique blend that plays on some of the more defined elements of each.

“The Executioner” commences with the succinctly named “Intro” which works as it is described, an introduction to the band and its EP. Though within 42 seconds it manages to encapsulate a macabre and eerie atmosphere with the opening of a knell, a murder of crows cawing, an intangible prayer, footsteps coupled with chains swaying back and forth, and the sound of a woman screaming I’m reminded of the eerie—and somewhat campy—atmosphere of the Hammer Dracula films. “Executioner” follows marking the true commencement of the album wherein we are introduced to the soundscape that is “Vectis.” The guitars are very gritty and dirty and the vocals extremely guttural with a huge booming reverb making them seem all-encompassing. The midpoint of the EP and subsequently the next track is “Bastard Son of God,” the subject material in question is itself the macabre apotheosis on the EP citing murder, H.P. Lovecraft, and blasphemy all within one 2 minute long song. The EP ends on the track “Warriors of Hell” which plays on both the guttural prowess of Black Metal and the intricacies and speed of Thrash Metal. The track does well in exemplifying how the band strings together their two biggest influences into something unique, sounding out with dirty saturated tones but with the intensity that rests within Thrash coupled with a more melodic sounding solo.

The weakest element of the EP is the sheer length of it coming in altogether at just under 9 minute in length making it shorter than a hurried set. The material is original and tied together pretty well though at the end of the day it just makes me wish that more was available from the band. However here’s hoping that the band will continue down their direction and produce more content within the niche they have carved for themselves. As a whole the band’s performance has a great sense of togetherness whereupon they work together and build off of each other’s parts instead of just playing different parts to the same songs and hoping that they mesh well together.

The EP is a little rough around the edges but shows the promise of something grand, and whilst the fidelity might put off some fans of the genre the band’s skill and sense of unity is admirable and worth the listen.

Songwriting: 7
Originality: 7
Memorability: 6
Production: 5