Volatile Way's 'Perfect Dark'

Album of the Week #2

by Oli Goeldner

What happens when you mix a love of all things mystical and mysterious with so-called death core? You get Volatile Way’s newest album Perfect Dark.

Their sophomore release serves as the perfect second edition to the band’s stacked discography, coming after their debut album Compendium launched in 2023.

There’s something truly hypnotising about the heavy riffs and poignant lyricism across this album’s seven tracks. A personal favourite of mine is the “Kill, Kill, Kill” chant in the second song The Invocation of Doom.

Volatile Ways 'Perfect Dark'

Gruesome imagery is something Volatile Ways have always cherished, and this is evident across Perfect Dark’s 24 minute runtime. With track titles, like Pink Mist Wish List (a reference to the spray of blood and tissue) and Televised Suicide (don’t need a description for that one), the band draws listeners into a realm of depravity and despair.

This is not to say the album is all doom and gloom, with lead singer Emilly and bassist Lewy telling Newcastle Music Show in a recent interview they love mixing themes of darkness in with “silly” lyricism.

If you had to hold me at gunpoint and tell me to pick a favourite track on the album, I would struggle to find an answer. But, after hours of listening it is safe to say Televised Suicide is a standout for me. Featuring Bec of Terminal Sleep, the track’s back and forth vocals between Bec’s higher cries and Emilly’s deep linger growls absolutely blows my mind. Not, to mention it has a killer music video.

Any fan of heavier music would be doing themselves a disservice by giving this album a miss. Not only is it a monumental release for the Newcastle ‘metal’ scene, but for women in the industry as well.

Make sure to catch Volatile Ways at their next show. I’ll see you in the pit.