Voodoo Six - 'Simulation Game' Album Review

Voodoo Six, ‘Simulation Game’ Album Review by Chris High

Voodoo Six are set to release their new studio album “Simulation Game” on Friday October 16. You can read our review of the album here.

Voodoo Six have released, fortuitously, their sixth studio album, Simulation Game. A throwback of sorts to the heady days of Judas Priest breaking the law, Saxon spinning their wheels of steel and of Def Leppard getting all hysterical, this is also an album that allows new lights shine through old windows to glorious effect.

There’s nothing subtle about this. Then again, who needs subtlety from an out-and-out rock album? You can get that in a myriad of other places. Simulation Game is something to honour and revere in the moment, not lay down and allow to mature like a bottle of claret. Crack that seal and let’s go! Is written in bold upon this album’s label, that’s for sure.

The Traveller immediately sets the tone. A window pane flexer that demands to be belted out at full tilt, Nik Taylor-Stoakes’ vocals carry poison and sting at each turn, whereas the guitar work of Richie Faulkner swoops and dives like a GoT dragon on a mission to seek and destroy.

Liar and a Thief is, at the risk of repetition, a stomper. Faulkner’s guitar work only being surpassed by the drumming of a resolutely superb Joe Lazarus. There’s nothing particularly fancy about his work but, Lordy Lore, it’s loud, effective, powerful and delicious.

Track of the album belongs to Lost. If ever Metallica want to know the song that got away during their Lou Reed collaboration hiatus, then this is it. Moody, energised and unconditionally and unashamedly Rock with a capital ‘R’, it is a reminder as to why these tunes will forever be revered in the annals of all those who adore them.

If there is a drawback it comes with the wavering vocalisation in places where it simply doesn’t belong. Few can master it and those who do, they do so as a signature not an experiment. Brake, for example, isn’t so much a demonstration of song smithery but rather one of vocalised floor routine gymnastics, with added parallel bars and rings thrown in to the point of distraction.

This said, however, Simulation Game is a powerhouse of an album and Voodoo Six are certainly justified components of the art of Hard Rock Done Well.

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