Melbourne metalcore outfit Void Of Vision have done their best in recent times to shake that tag, intent on breaking through constricting barriers imposed on the band by people forcing them into genre classification.
Over two previous EP releases - Chronicles I: Lust and Chronicles II: Heaven, Void Of Vision have explored new musical territory, in the process ushering in not an entirely new sound for the band, but more one that has simmered below the surface that is now ready to break free.
While Chronicles I was more in tune with what fans would expect from Void Of Vision, Chronicles II stripped things back more than ever before but now the Melbournians have decided to smash preconceptions completely by finally releasing the subliminal electronic element in all it's glory on today's surprise release Chronicles III: Underworld.
Featuring three songs heavily influenced by electronic elements, the third and concluding chapter in the Chronicles series is also the most divisive, showcasing Void Of Vision at their vulnerable best. It is the release of a band comfortable within themselves musically and unafraid to challenge conventional metal in a way rarely seen before in this country.
It is a release of intent in that it hints at a fresh musical direction for Void Of Vision, while still maintaining the heavier elements that have made the band one of this countries most exciting metal prospects of this century.
Frontman Jack Bergin sat down with HEAVY to discuss Chronicles III: Underworld.
"I guess for a long time now we've been building the spines of our songs with an electronic influence," he explained. "We kind of basically stripped back to the bare bones of everything with this EP and presented it in that pure, aggressive form and tone that we start our creative process with, and I think it's a really nice way to finish off this E series because it's a behind the curtain look at how we establish our songs and how we are heavily influenced by electronic music just as much as we are from heavy. What we set out to do with this was blur that line between the two cultures and what a lot of people on both sides of the fence don't necessarily realise is how very similar the cultures are. You go to an EDM club and if people play house in a techno room they will all have their noses turned up, same as if you go to a metal club and you hear metal being played in a pop punk room people turn their noses up. You have the elitists, you have the die hards, you've got every base covered pretty much. The shows have the same energy and... yeah, I dunno. I know a lot of kids these days who listen to Void Of Vision probably won't know of bands like Nine Inch Nails' existence and if we can be the kind of nudge in that direction for them that's mission accomplished for us, to be honest. It's fun to put out something like that, that kind of makes people think. It's definitely made us think."
In the full interview, Jack talks more about Chronicles III musically, bringing electronic elements into the music and why, the reasons behind releasing the EP without fanfare, the relevance of the sub titles of each EP, how they together reflect the musical path of Void Of Vision, their upcoming regional tour, playing at Knotfest Australia next year, the possible direction of future music and more.