The Veer Union who comprise of Crispin Earl (lead vocals/producer), Ryan Ramsdell (guitar) and Ricardo Viana (drums) are a Canadian alternative/hard rock/metal band from Vancouver BC whose latest album, the apocalyptic themed `Welcome To Dystopia` was released a few days ago at the end of 2024.
The album opens with `No Excuse` with a spoken word oration before vocals clean and unclean lead us through a fairly introspective consideration which rebukes world leaders allowing the affluent to increase their wealth while everybody else is left behind. We have in `Is This How It Ends?` a warning about the emerging use of Robotics by governments and law enforcement under the guise of keeping us safe. A mid paced rhythmic offering with some reflective and thought-provoking lyrics.
`Shades Of Gray` begins quietly but explodes into a much more anthemic immense listen with lyrics that hint at the impacts of depression and how one tries to mask them with an outward smile. We have a plea for us not to lose our humanity in the face of an overwhelming amount of rapidly advancing technology that threatens to take over our lives if we allow it with `Empirical`. It`s another anthemic offering with a huge sound and made for sharing live.
`The Underground` hints at oppression but biding your time for times to improve. It`s another expansive pensive composition that has an underlying sense of unease. American nu-metal rockers Silent Theory from Moscow, Idaho add their talents to title track `Welcome To Dystopia` a number that`s about the chaotic state of the world. The song veers from nu-metal to a more expansive vibe as it evolves.
`Dig Their Own Graves` is a fairly robust submission not aggressive but forceful and retains that moving emotional sense of despondency with a society that has accepted change which has led to a more hellish or tragic civilisation. The final cut `Space & Time` leaves us with a bleak scenario as to how life could be if we accept and allow it. Another meditative mid paced number to close out on.
`Welcome To Dystopia` is a kind of apocalyptic concept album that warns us to stand up for what we believe in or suffer the consequences. In this time of European and Middle Eastern conflicts and A.I. on the rise it`s a timely reminder to think for ourselves or face the potential repercussions.
Rating 8/10
