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VYPERA
Race Of Time

Frontiers (2023)
Rating: 8.5/10

As if it was the mid-80s all over again, Swedish rockers Vypera re-emerge from the shadows for their sophomore full-length effort Race Of Time. The questionable artwork, the fluid riffs, the melodic riffs and the crystal clear vocals transport me back to those halcyon days of heavy metal which existed in its richest form. Sweden has always known how to rock as a country and with Vypera the ancient metal gods know that their sound is in good hands.

Vypera opt for the lighter side of the metal spectrum, and if this had been 1986 then one would assume they were aiming for the American market, but that’s not to say this is glossy, commercialised rock because a fire exists within its belly. Imagine if you will then a less molten Loudness, a crisp metallic fluidity with a nonchalance as tracks such as ‘Hey You’, ‘Riding On The Wind’ and my favourite ‘Vicious’ flow like liquid gold on a foundation built on clear yet stinging leads and the simple, melodious vocals of Andeas Wallström.

For good measure the band throws in a superb semi-ballad in the form of slow burner ‘Stormwind’, while ‘Speedin’’ and ‘Slave To Love’ will appeal to those seeking something harder and more energetic. There is no doubting the fact that Vypera has found the perfect balance between hard rock and metal that one moment can drift into a Europe-style of majesty, and the next into that Loudness streak as previously mentioned.

Race Of Time is an opus with soul, fire and a surprising amount of poppier sensibility as evidenced on the gloriously bubblegum catchiness of ‘Trying Hard To Run Away’. It’s all here and neatly wrapped in a tight production. Bands in their droves are trying to mimic that nostalgic 80s vibe and Vypera has succeeded in such a casual manner. Now that’s talent.

Neil Arnold

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