Vanta's debut album, Perpetual Selection, is a brutal melodeath masterpiece that showcases the band's unique blend of influences and creative songwriting. The album is a testament to the harsh beauty of Australia, where the band calls home, and it's a thrilling ride from start to finish.
The album opens with an energetic set of songs, each with its own distinct character. The guitar duo of Thien Huynh and Jesse Venus lays down impressive leads and solos, while Ferdi Handojo's blistering kitwork adds to the sense of non-stop energy. The band's creative use of intros, ranging from gentle arpeggios to Fulci-style horror screams, heightens the excitement and sets the tone for the album.
One of the standout tracks is "Drown," which slows things down with a melodic piece that has a whiff of sadboi melodeath stalwarts Insomnium. The song eases into the gloom following an energetic intro, creating a sense of contrast and depth. Similarly, "Alchemy" builds patiently into a memorable chorus, transporting listeners to Stortregn's Impermanence. The chameleon-like vocal attack from Venus, seamlessly switching from rasps to deep growls to speedy Oliver Rae Aleron delivery, adds to the album's excitement and variety.
However, the album is not without its weaknesses. The straight-up metalcore track, "Sandstalker," sticks out like a sore thumb with its lack of melody or hooks. The bloated "Stillwater" is another odd choice, with its breakdown halfway through the song. The penultimate track, "Transmorcide," lacks any hooks or leads and seems unsure what it's trying to do.
Despite these issues, Perpetual Selection is a fun record from a new, young band with lots of promise. Vanta shows creative songwriting chops as well as a willingness to stretch out of their comfort zone. The band fits nicely in the TBDM sound without being a mere clone, and if they hone their talents and skills, they can find a niche in the melodeath realm that TBDM and Inferi have carved, hopefully for many years to come.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: WAV
Label: Self-Released
Website: Bandcamp (https://vantametalofficial.bandcamp.com/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vantametalofficial/) | Official Site (https://vantametalofficial.com/)
Releases Worldwide: March 13th, 2026
