Photo by Stanley Gravett
Originating from the dark depths of the UK, VACUOUS is making waves with their Relapse Records debut, “In His Blood”, released.
The album “In His Blood” is an electrifying blend of high-speed riffs, chilling atmospheres, and intricate guitar work, carving a distinctive niche for the band. Guitarist Michael Brodsky notes, “We’ve talked about having different influences, and it felt like a bit of a dare to push things further… I think we’re still doing the same thing, just from the point of view of people who grew up in the 2000s.”
Tracks range from the intense roar of the title track to the eerie vibes of “Hunger” and the dramatic rumblings of “Contraband,” showcasing VACUOUS’ boundaries within death metal.
Decibel Magazine praises the record, stating, “The quintet calls to death metal’s earliest days in their effort to grow and morph their own unique take on the extreme metal genre…”
Stream “In His Blood” and read a Q&A with the band on Decibel Magazine and across all streaming platforms. Watch the video for the title track here.
“In His Blood” can be found on CD, LP, and digital formats. Order at Relapse.com.
To coincide with the album’s release, VACUOUS announces a UK headlining tour this April. See all dates below.
VACUOUS Live:
– 3/01/2025 – Life After Death Fest @ Walthamstow Trades Hall – London, UK (In His Blood Record Release Show)
– 4/11/2025 – Moor Beer Vaults – London, UK
– 4/12/2025 – The Star Inn – Ashford, UK
– 4/13/2025 – The Hope & Ruin – Brighton, UK
– 4/14/2025 – The Gryphon – Bristol, UK
– 4/15/2025 – Billy Bootleggers – Nottingham, UK
– 4/16/2025 – The Lubber Fiend – Newcastle, UK
– 4/17/2025 – The Flying Duck – Glasgow, UK
– 4/18/2025 – Damaged Goods – Leeds, UK
– 4/20/2025 – April Siege of Limerick – Limerick, IE (Ireland Debut)
– 9/4-7/2025 – Killtown Death Fest X – Copenhagen, DK
– 9/4-6/2025 – Summer Dying Loud – Aleksandrow Loszki, PL
The album cover art, steeped in blood imagery, was inspired by a disturbing social media image. Vocalist Jo Chen remarks, “It was a picture of a man who had killed someone, just posing, standing in their blood…”
As Brodsky adds, “The internet is like a graveyard of people’s trauma…”
VACUOUS focuses on emotional resonance over shock value, channeling dark, raw, and atmospheric influences. Formed by Brodsky and Chen in late 2019, the band expanded from a trio to a five-piece after the pandemic. Their first album, “Dreams Of Dysphoria”, debuted in 2022, but their second release “In His Blood” marks a new peak.
The lyrics by Chen address various themes like horror films, serial killers, school shootings, and more: “The song ‘Contraband’ is about the thirty-nine Vietnamese migrants who were suffocated in a lorry…”
Recording took place at Holy Mountain Studios in Hackney with Stanley Gravett, who was pivotal to refining the album’s sound. Brodsky observes, “This was the first time we’ve had any external help with arrangements which has been really good.”
The cover art, designed to resemble a crime scene photo, was shot in an abandoned London cemetery by Oscar Foster-Kane.
VACUOUS Members:
Michael Brodsky – guitars
Jo Chen – vocals
Max Southall – drums
Ezra Harkin – guitars
Zak Mullard – bass
VACUOUS:
Relapse Records:
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