FEST VAINQUEUR Continue to Impress With Single Hazan

FEST VAINQUEUR’s latest single, Hazan, is an exciting, melodic and stirring compilation of powerful music.

The title number features that high, enticing melody they’re so good at producing. Its constant climb will have you singing along, swaying and either pumping your fist to the drum beat or prettily flicking your hands like a conductor (if you have furitsuke inclinations.) There’s even a heavy breakdown prior to the bright, ringing tones of Tomo’s guitar solo. Yet, however catchy and attractive the opening number is, it’s like being enticed into a restaurant by a delicious-looking desert only to find instead that the main meal is the most delectable thing ever to grace your palate.

Track two, “Asterisk,” that showcases the strength and fluidity of Hal’s slightly husky voice. Instrumentally, the number is generic but flawlessly executed and anything flashier from the musicians would undermine the simplistic beauty of the vocal line. One of the most impressive things a visual kei musician can achieve is to know when to step back and let other members take the spotlight for the sake of the music. This is a shining example of that choice working for the best.

“Butterfly” is a great chaser. A little dark, a little bitter, a little sexy, and yet that melodic line is still strong, this time well-enhanced by rattling drums, scolding guitar and a frustratingly muffled bass solo that affect the mood of the piece with every little musical shift. There’s a slight unclean sound to the track, whether intentional or not that’s welcome in some place as an atmospheric touch but unpleasant in others.

All three tracks have solid merit and maintain a consistently entertaining sound, well-coupled for a nice flow. Hazan is definitely recommendable to anyone who enjoys good music with particularly strong vocals.

3 Track CD

Track List

1. Hazan
2. Asterisk
3. Butterfly