VIRTUE IN VAIN tap into emotion and honesty as they get set to release new EP 'Nothing Is All I Am'

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Virtue In Vain: Hywel Thomas, Mason Williams, Daniel Bryant

We’re just over halfway through the first month of the year, and musically it’s been far from quiet. Bands have been pushing new releases the minute we hit the first second of the new year, whether it be singles or extended releases. Of course, Welsh metallers Virtue In Vain simply knew they weren’t going to be left behind and set about making sure the next step in their journey was cemented for the fans.

Giving us a sneaky peek, we got to sit down and here the closing chapter in their currently trilogy EPS – ‘Nothing Is All I Am’, the follow on from previous releases ‘For All You Know Is The Mask I Wore’ and ‘Dusk // Dawn’. The EP is one that focuses on the emotional and honest look at collapse and rebuilding. Speaking about the release, the band explain;

‘Each track represents different emotions. From panic attacks and unrelenting anger to catastrophising, and the torment of replaying your failings. This EP dives deep into pessimism and self-reflection’

Do the band accomplish this task over the 5 tracks presented in this piece? Simply put – Yes, yes they do, and perfectly so.

Opening with a steady build into a heavy, powerful riff, ‘Split’ sets the intensity of the EP. Short and straight to the point, we're met with brutality and introduced to the harsh riffs, powerful growls and thunderous drums that will make the ears of fans ring. Not dropping the pace, we jump into ‘Blood Eyes’, a track that showcases the band's ability to add more weight to the already aggressive tones introduced to from hitting play. The blend between this and the opener are enough to keep you gripped, but still shows us more of the group's capabilities as they pick up the pace

Moving into ‘Between Reflections & Silence’, we’re met with the melodic and slightly softer side of the band whilst still maintaining the earlier established heavier vibes. We still get hit with aggression and technical prowess during the main riffs, but here we see the band's slightly lighter side as we hit the choruses. Blending the harsh vocals with harmonic cleans, there's an almost haunting presence during these sections. Almost replicating the calm in the middle of the storm but without losing the intensity.

Returning with a much more energetic beat underneath, ‘Echoes’ does well to keep the momentum and energy going. The band is still full of power and steam as they demand movement from the fans. This will be the track that induces mosh pits and headbanging when performed live, with the band commanding the chaos from the stage. As we hit the closing track ‘The Wit & I’, you are left to wonder how the band will close this chapter. A soft, haunting piano intro plays before the set blend of aggression and power appears. The piano pieces are present throughout the track, giving the riffs and climbs that little bit more without overdoing it or losing the pacing. The flawless jump between the heavier riffs and the elegant piano are done perfectly, closing off not just the EP but the trilogy the band has created

Overall, Virtue In Vain have managed to close the chapter of their trilogy with mastery and flawless energy. ‘Nothing Is All I Am’ contains no feelings of 'cliffhangers' or disappointment, rather a sense of feeling completion and the purpose of being ready to move forward into the next step of the journey as we say goodbye to this story and prepare ourselves for the doors the band will open as they continue to push themselves and their careers in music further.

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