VIRUS – Sick Of Lies

Delivering a sound somewhere in-between today’s Rock/Pop bands, such as Nickelback, and the past decade’s Grunge bands, especially Alice in Chains, Virus delivers a solid, eclectic, and heavy debut album. The band, formed in 2000, claims to have all sorts of influences due to its members playing in bands of different styles along with playing in Virus.

The band’s lyrics deal with the daily struggle to live in this world, with lots of emotional content. One can easily relate to most of them.

The first song in Sick of Lies, “Lost,” begins with a synthesizer introduction with electronic beats, leading to the opening riff, making up for a good intro before the singing starts. Frank Widderson’s vocals come in, his voice reminding of Layne Staley’s from Alice in Chains, while being more emotive and sometimes desperate sounding. The guitar work is well-laid out, being somewhere between Metal and Nu-Metal territory.

The following song, “For My Sun,” sits more in the Classical Metal scoop, with heavy guitar riffing, and the vocals almost falling into Pantera-like aggressiveness. Around halfway into the song, there is a bridge filled with electronic noises and Nu-Metal guitars, which help form Virus’ identity.

Watch your CD-player closely to catch the song change, as “Mother Earth” and “For My Sun” seem to blend into each other. While having an arabesque touch, “Mother Earth” has pure Nu-Metal moments, with Rage Against the Machine-inspired screamy vocals and heavy guitars.

The first semi-ballad in Sick of Lies, “Once,” is the most radio-ready song on the record, and could really make for a good single release and video to support the album. Not that Virus has lost its heaviness in this song, as the chorus is filled with heavy guitars and good vocal work again. The electronic beats and noises are still present, and seem omnipresent within the record, even if in small bits.

Perhaps the most Nu-Metal sounding track in Sick of Lies, “Homeless,” has the style’s elements and could make for another radio hit nowadays. The outro in this song has some Thrash Metal influences coming from bands like Vicious Rumors and Iced Earth.

“Payday” just follows the record’s style, with the highlight once again being the Metallica-inspired outro.

“360” has “psychedelic” vocals, with effects and heavy riffing that can fool you into thinking you’re listening to Nine Inch Nails. The chorus breaks that feel, with a truly Alice in Chains-styled section. This is one of the few songs in Sick of Lies that has a guitar solo. Although not technically impressive, the solo fits the song well.

The true ballad of the record, “Caged,” has cool acoustic guitar work that reclaims a Metal stance, while the electronic drums still keep their feet in the more modern territory. The chorus again has that Alice in Chains feel, but with a Metallica touch in the vocals. The keyboards here really add to the feel of the song. The outro once again reminds of late Metallica, more specifically the Load records.

“Bleedin’” has a different overall feel from the rest of the tracks, almost reaching 70’s Rock territory. This is the most unique track in the record, but it could not be picked out as Virus’ signature song.

“Fool” is the only song featuring double bass in the whole album, and almost reaches Power Metal territory in its intro. The chorus sounds more like good old Hard Rock, but this is another unique track in the record. Metal fans, start by listening to this one first should you pick up this record.

Still in the Metal mood, “Free” has more melodic guitar-riffing and a lighter overall feel, while not loosing attitude. The highlight here is the great drumming provided by Udo Bopre. Here’s another highlight for those looking for Metal in this record.

The almost title track, “No More Lies,” has Goth-Rock influences, and would sound good if done by any Doom/Goth Metal band. The vocal work here is remarkable, as is the instrumental. Probably the most well-written song on the record; it is different while being true to Virus’ identity.

Closing Sick of Lies, “Who” is more laid back, while still being heavy. This one is again in Grunge/Nu-metal territory.

The crystal clear recording quality is worth mentioning, with lots of punch and no instruments fighting for the same frequencies. This record was produced by Rolf Munkes, of Majesty, Empire, and Razorback fame, and lots of credit goes to him for making Virus sound the best they could.

Also, not having been highlighted anywhere else, the bass work from Andy B. also deserves credit, while not showing off too much technique or variety, his bass lines contribute to the solidness and cohesiveness of Virus.

The band could really use some more variety in their harmonies, but the foundation is set. They could be the next big thing in the media, with good melodies and harmonies, making what today’s music business is typically looking to find.

Lineup

Frank Widderson (vocals)
Sascha W. (guitar)
Steffen M. (guitar)
Andy B. (bass)
Udo Bopre (drums)