Starset – Vessels


The merging of tech metal with pop sensibilities is hardly a new concept; the ‘Djent’ movement is arguably (for better or worse) the prime example of such, whilst recently the likes of Chon have really showcased such soulful influences on their sleeves and thus offer technicality alongside warmth and accessibility.

At a different end of that spectrum, Starset take cues from more contemporary commercial styles alongside proggy soundscapes on latest album Vessels (Razor & Tie), and the results are a rather mixed bag.

Album opener ‘Satellite’ is a firm indicator of the band’s focus on sci-fi/futuristic imagery and tones, and showcases immediately the sheen in the album’s productions which is akin to much of today’s mainstream pop acts; and sadly, rids it of any warmth. Added to this are the all too familiar and repetitive guitar passages and clean vocals and growls which lack any resonance or weight. There are signs of the band trying to push ideas forward, for example the use of string orchestration, but these still only cement the notion of a lack of truly original ideas. The fact that ‘Monster’ is an official theme song for WWE’s upcoming NXT Takeover San Antonio event should highlight how safe this is.

Not that Vessels is completely without worth. The album highlight of ‘Ricochet’ at least shows that they are capable of penning the occasional anthem; and more importantly, the precise production values could prove them to be a gateway band for many. For what Vessels lacks in originality and true complexity, it still has enough depth to not prove daunting and may pique interest in less prog-trained minds to challenge themselves further; and maybe even for fans of more commercial music to explore further.

In Vessels, it is clear to see that there is potential for better things, and even the possibility of them being a bridge across styles. In comparison to its peers however, this proves mostly repetitive and lacking in innovation; and at its lowest, sounds soulless, processed and utterly sanitised, and wouldn’t feel out of place on mainstream radio stations.

4.0/10

CHRIS TIPPELL