Review by JD on September 19, 2010.

Polish Progressive metallists Votum have handed the world a new opus that is oddly called "Metafiction". I have not heard of them yet, aside from friends that are more into the Progressive Rock and Metal end of things (I love Prog - a guilty pleasure, but my heart is heavier). With that... shall we jump in?

At first listen, you might not agree with the whole metal tag for the band, but take it from me - it is metal, and so much more as well. With a wall of shifting complexity that is accented by a purity of heaviness underlying a shifting musical landscape that is bleak, yet full of life as well, this album shows that this is a thinking person’s band.

The music is this sort of odd mixing of Rush gone sort of metal, Opeth and some doomish stylizing of Pink Floyd. It is that odd incorporating of shifting feels that combines artistry, camouflaged power all into a group of musicians that seriously love metal but wanted to do way more with it than others have done before them. This is what the band was going for and they really did deliver the goods.

Are Votum over-the-top eclectic? - yes, are Votum rather strange? - yes, are they still metal despite it all? - Fuck, yes! They may not be everybody’s favourite when all is said and done but they are a band that has talent to spare while still trying to keep true to their metallic roots. I think one day, if they keep this particular line-up, will find that wonderful bridging between metal and Progressive that has eluded many acts before them. This is a good album, yet it is not a great one yet... but I still enjoy it. More please!!!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 9
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.4 out of 10