Since reuniting in 2013, Victory have clawed their way back to show fans that when veterans take a break, they can come back stronger. That was the case with their release of Gods of Tomorrow three years ago and now they’ve doubled down on that stance with Circle of Life.
‘Tonight we Rock’ gets Circle of Life off to a frantic start and the title couldn’t be more suitable for a show opener. The hi-hat count in, thundering beats and explosive riffs with raw, potent vocals is any fan’s dream of watching their favourite artists walk onstage. It’s the sort of tune where playing air guitar is irresistible while getting wasted at an intimate gig when you’ve had enough of an exhausting week.
Next up is ‘American Girl’, the ultimate hard rock ballad to vibe to with your rooftop down while cruising down a highway. All that’s left is to stick your cassette tape in and sing along until needing a break at a service station. Gianni Pontillo couldn’t be a better pick as vocalist, as his rockstar persona perfectly represents what the 1980s hard/glam rock era was like. His gelled back hair with a leather jacket in the music video would have a flock of fans chasing after him. He has that special charisma in his voice with plenty of potency, raspiness and romanticism which will make any old school fan miss their youth. Lyrics depict a girl pursuing her dreams in America, the land of opportunity where one will do everything they can to fulfil their desires. “Through ups and downs she will stand tall, Breaking down every wall” represents her determination to live life to the max and break free from society’s restrictions.
‘Count on Me’ is where the party really starts and Victory’s musical time machine is in full force. It’s a fast paced anthem that most will enjoy after a few beers at a mass poolside gathering only to have police show up due to disturbing the peace. While the peak days of hard/glam rock or hair metal may be long gone, the likes of Victory, Crazy Lixx, Wig Wam and Midnite City have done a good job at keeping it alive. You can tell by listening to the guitar tones, drum recordings and vocal phrasing that they’ve added a modern touch but have kept its essence as some artists can overcook an attempt at reviving a classic subgenre.
Herman Frank on guitars is up to his old tricks pulling off some gorgeous riffs reminiscent of the time when AOR dominated rock radio stations. For decades, he’s been bossing the scene and what makes him special is the ability to reinvent himself. Time often catches up to musicians and ideas begin to dry up but he’s shown immunity to it and when you listen to the solos, his technique sounds just as slick as what it would have done back in his spells at Accept. The pinch harmonics, dive bombs and shredding have shown no signs of repetition and while these things have been a signature move of this style, he adds a Teutonic touch to it.
Gianni’s passionate vocals lead the line like a DJ hyping up a crowd before the beat drops while Michael Stein on drums is full of composure with rock solid timing and immaculate fills. He (Michael) already has songs prewritten in his head and could nail a recording in one take due to his sky-high confidence levels. Lyrics highlight the importance of being by someone’s side when they go through a rough patch “Count on me, I’ll be your rock, you won’t be struck”. Life itself is unpredictable and everyone hits roadblocks so having a friend that can help you overcome these challenges always makes a difference.
For the next four tracks, Victory go into cruise control and drop the tempo. Most of Circle of Life consists of slow songs which make it easy to absorb and listeners can relax without having to take their headphones off for a breather. ‘Surrender my Heart’ is the first of the sequence and this is where Victory start adding in different sounds.
The chugging intro in the key of Eb minor has groove metal vibes and verses feel a lot heavier in comparison to other tunes. Michael as usual is super tight in keeping the band in check with steady beats containing plenty of authority and Hermann’s versatility comes to life as whatever challenge comes his way, he adapts and conquers it no matter the circumstances.
‘Unbelievable World’ is the song that appears to echo Hermann’s message the most with the intro consisting of muffled guitars playing ambient oriental chords in the style of a distorted sitar. It’s the slowest of all with snail pace tempos typical of stoner rock. Considering the title and exploratory feelings that it evokes, it couldn’t be a more appropriate approach. The tune feels like you’re hallucinating while stranded in a desert baking under the midday sun trying to crack any codes about the universe’s wonders. Not to mention an incredibly satisfying solo which can bring a grin so wide that your lips might split.
Although ‘Moonlit Sky’ returns to their main sound, it soon goes back into metal territory with a shift in tone where ‘Falling’ sounds like a melancholic protest “If we tried to put down our guns, the fighting never begun”. Here we get to see that Gianni’s not just there for the glam as he keeps the power but adds some frailty to enhance our imagination of a warzone where all hope is lost.
‘Money’ is the heaviest and fastest track in which Victory display some of their vicious side. All sort of frivolity is gone and the band turn into a full on raging bull with aggressive drumming, epic vocals and booming guitars. Michael Stein beats up his kit as if he were training for the fight of his life with double kick patterns violently suckerpunching your ears while Hermann Frank casts a magic spell on his instrument by playing nail-biting riffs at heart pounding speeds. Gianni meanwhile gives his all behind the mic as the once hollywood figure a few songs ago is no more mr nice guy.
‘Virtual Sin’ wraps up Circle of Life in a similar way to how it started with Victory wanting one last dance before the show is over. Just like ‘Tonight we Rock’, it’s the perfect set ending where confetti cannons are blasting out every last piece of paper left in them. Since Gianni’s arrival in 2019, his musical bond with Hermann has been inseparable and their epic chemistry brings this album to a grand closure. His athletic lungs that never seem to tire accomplish their mission as he sings his heart out and when matched by hard hitting guitars backed with a four to the floor beat, it’s a guarantee that you’ll be ecstatic all night long.
Oleg (Voodoo) Shcherbakov who designed Circle of Life’s cover was, according to Frank, inspired by German conceptual artist Rune Mields, famously known for turning abstract mathematical equations into images. If you look closely, it reinforces that feeling of life going in multiple directions and whichever equation you engage with, the hand will return to zero. In the end, all that’s left is one’s legacy. The circular emblem with guitar necks and shiny equations as well as a pair of serpents in Game of Thrones style could represent mysteries of life after death.
While Circle of Life might be a fun listen overall, it can sometimes get a little bit repetitive in the final third and contrasting styles while jumping in and out of their familiar sound at the same time may catch listeners off guard. ‘Reason to Love’ also feels somewhat out of place and would’ve been better off saved for a different record but that doesn’t spoil the experience in general.
Victory have come out fighting and proved that hard rock won’t fade away so easily and for anyone who thought that their youth days would vanish, you can count on this band to keep it alive.
Circle of Life comes out on September 13th 2024 via AFM Records.
