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So, Voyager are in the middle of the triple bill, sandwiched between the metallers Taberah, who have just won the crowd over with an awesome performance, and the headliners Nightwish who the devotees are waiting for. So, on they come and I’m doing the reviewer thing of searching out Taberah for a chat and realise from the start that Voyager are smashing it as well! I get back to the pit in time to watch these guys from scratch.
As back story, Voyager are a five piece from Perth, Australia who are best described as progressive metal though probably a more upbeat form of progressive metal rather than the chess club end of the spectrum. Formed in 1999 they have a number of full length albums under their belt. Not sure if they are progressive enough for your tastes? Well album titles of, ‘UniVers’ and ‘I Am The reVolution’ tells me I am in my beloved progressive metal territory.
In true progressive style they strolled on stage like they are turning up for band practice then went into a world of frenzy like they support bands the size of Nightwish every night of the week. A couple of things struck me immediately, with the first being the sheer enjoyment that beamed off the stage from the band. Secondly, with a history of playing ProgPower and some hefty touring these guys are clearly up to the task. The thing that hits you most though is the sheer energy and power than comes from them, even in the cramped HQ stage which was dominated by Nightwish equipment still under wraps for the headliners.
Voyager’s music is melodic and the vocals are clean. For the purists they are a modern progressive band with strong solid twin guitars keeping it heavy but keeping a willingness to mix it up with an almost funk feel at times. Working my way across stage taking photos I ended up at stage right opposite guitarist Simone Dow who must be one of the most animated guitarists I have seen in the hundreds of bands I have watched. It’s a talent to not only play intricate melody while interacting with the band but also pulling a mime of the lyrics as you play. Very entertaining, great guitar and solid performance. These antics are supported on the other side of the stage by Scott Kay who keeps it calm but still manages to shred when required.
The crowd had every opportunity to bail to the bar after being hijacked by Taberah but Voyager had that covered. Their set was dominant and the audience loved it. The only real problem on the night was that the set was too short and they probably could have done with another hour. I could have certainly have done with another hour that’s for sure. Everything about this band is polished and they certainly have the ability to headline in their own right. Surely with the progressive talent that’s been on show recently in Australia we must be due for a bill including Voyager, Plini, Teramaze and Gods of Eden. Someone do this!
So great performance by Voyager and there is an opportunity to catch these guys again as they will be supporting both Leprous and Epica on separate tours in Australia so keep an eye out for those. I believe the plan is also to follow Leprous back to Europe and continue touring. For those brothers and sisters of progressive metal out there I’m urging you to check these guys out and get some Voyager into your life. Can’t really recommend them enough.
Review and Photography: Craig Grant
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