In the mid-‘90s guitarist
Steve Lewis was plying his trade with the progressive extreme metal band
Der Untermensch. Major magazines like the respected
Terrorizer were predicting great things for band, but after the release of one critically acclaimed album –
The Man In The Planet – their story was done. Steve Lewis’ story was far from over though and after a long and winding musical journey he has arrived at
ViOS – a solo instrumental project that retains all the uncompromising, adventurous spirit of previous endeavours and sets sail for exciting new territories, where genre divides and definitions have ceased to exist. Debut EP
SlaveForm is an enthralling story without words that draws influence and inspiration from a myriad of dynamic and diverse sources, blending them with the skill of a master musical alchemist into something original, imaginative and new.
SlaveForm is presented in three parts – ‘Druj’, ‘Abort’ and ‘Saturation’ – that, while intrinsically linked, each forge new paths, expressing different emotions, drawing from different corners of Lewis’ expansive musical palette. The songs take us from intimidating, weighty riffing that encases us inside the vast grinding gears of a futuristic machine to simple, drifting days of summer, from resplendent, uplifting chords to jarring, discordant patterns, from spiralling fusion dreams to unsettling voices that rise through the background white noise of consciousness. With each trip through SlaveForm there are new corners to peer around, new viewpoints to discover that offer a different take on all that enfolds – a hidden intricacy within a deceptive simplicity that ensures near endless rewards for the persistent listener.
To ensure that SlaveForm benefitted from a sound of suitable finesse, Lewis entrusted the mastering process to The Carvery – a Grammy nominated studio that has worked with internationally recognised artists like Aphex Twin, Bonobo and Method Man. The results are exceptional; allowing each element of the ViOS sound to sing with a clear voice and play their part in the overall complex sonic mosaic that is SlaveForm. Released May 27th, this inventive and unorthodox collection will offer new sounds to the tired and jaded ear and open previously hidden doors for the dauntless and inquisitive. Get your ticket now for a voyage of discovery, through the SlaveForm.
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