Album Review: VIC - Age of Aquarius (2019)

Arriving late is better than never. This is the best description for my case with Villagers of Ioannina City's (VIC) 2019 album; “The Age of Aquarius.” 2024 was not an easy year for me; it is a continuation of my downfall in the world of metal/rock reviewing career. But, I was lucky as I received nice invitations from two of my dear friends Karim, and Sam who are the admins of one of the biggest Arabic metal platforms: Arab Metalhead: Arabic Metal Society. So, by the second quarter of 2024, I started to be really engaged in rock/metal music once again and writing about my thoughts and experiences about music. In addition, last August, I celebrated the 10th anniversary of publishing my first-ever metal album review. Now, I am a few weeks away from my 30s, so, I need to upgrade my comeback by activating my metal reviews blog. My words seem nice, but, you (Reader) may ask why I selected this album to start with. Well, I was called by Aquarius. I am not kidding. 

During today's sunset, my meditation time. I was looking at the sky, and checking the "Sky View" application. Then, I saw Aquarius gazing at me with its power, passion, and strength. The rising, glorious Aquarius is dominating the scene. So, all I could hear in my ears was the captivating tunes of "Father Sun." 

I listened to this album for the first time last August by chance. YouTube played it automatically after the album I was listening to ended. The opening tunes and mood of the album impressed me, in addition to the name of the album, and the cover. All I can see is the symbol of Aquarius rising in the sky. This is a great depiction of the myth of Aquarius. It is always running, rising. But, checking the lyrics of the album, I realized that the concept of the album is based on both the myth of Aquarius and the next age which is rumored to be the Age of Aquarius. 

This explains the complexity of bridging between several moods of rock and metal like progressive, psychedelic, and stoner rock. Also, there is a great combination of instruments, including folk ones like bagpipe, and clarinet. These sounds with very slight touches of atmospheric and ambient give the album another dimension of beauty, and attraction. 

The album's opener gives the listener the impression of a dive into a world of epic stories, mystery, and myths. The melodies of "Welcom" are just recalling the magic of the Greek lands, vast beaches, shining sun rays, and the salty waters of the Mediterranean. The most repeated words are "welcome to the new age," and "the Age of Aquarius." I feel these words well. The images of Aquarius in the sky can't leave my eyes and mind. 

There is a magical trick the band made. It is the connection between "Welcome," and "The Age of Aquarius" tracks. They are based on the same mood and melodies. It is a non-stop journey. The music can reflect the nature of the Greek lands, the richness of its mythology, the glory of its music and folklore, and the enigma of the upcoming age. The new world.

"Part V" carries a more progressive, and psychedelic mood. There is a great space for guitars and their monologues. Moreover, its mood is like stepping, walking, wandering between the mountains or the streets, or climbing a high hill. Or maybe, rising from the Earth to the sky. There is a real sense of loss or diaspora. There are circles. Therefore, using this combination of music is a great transcription for those feelings of loss and despair. This beauty is crowned with a great job of vocals, especially the screaming and high-note parts. 

"Dance of Night" is one of the best-composed and performed songs in the album. There is a real scene of dancing and celebration. In addition, there is a high harmony between instruments, especially the folk ones, and a wide space for music to speak for itself. You can feel that this track is like the musical style of tribes, and their desert-influenced musical heritage. It is followed by another folk-style track. But, it is a real instrumental and spiritual one. 

Then comes my most favorite song "Father Sun." I can't remember how many times I re-played this song after listening to it for the first time. The intro is magical, and the lyrics are massively captivating. Especially, to people who are deeply connected to the sun like us, Egyptians, and holy rivers, like us as well. It is not a song. It is a prayer, it is a hymn. Diverse sounds and melodies come together to move you to the holy lands of Greece to feel the greatness of its myths, before moving from the holy mountains to the magical world of the skies. I don't need to mention that the way the band uses such melodies is bold, including the unique folk solo by the end of the song. God! This is madness dressed in greatness.

"Millennium Blues" is one of the songs that made me confused. Its mood is somehow different. It reflects more blues and jazz soul. It was not one of my favorites at all. I felt it out of the album's mood. 

"Cosmic Soul" reflects another shift of the album as a move from the world of myths to a cyber world. It is one of the heaviest tracks in the album. More into the musical essence of rock/metal. The solo is a great one. Nicely executed. "For the Innocent" is a great example of the album's concept. It mixes the madness of the ancient myth, to the mysterious upcoming age with its vague future. You can feel this in the speed of the tempo, and the game between guitars and folk instruments. It is one of the best tracks in the album.

Finally, the album closes with "Sparkle out of Black Hole." It is more ambient, and atmospheric. It signifies the end of this spiritual journey. 

Age of Aquarius album is a unique one. In addition, it is one of the best releases I listen to from Greece. There is a great composing skill, with accurate use of folk tunes. There is a great vocal work that reflects the moods of the album well. 

Rate: 9/10

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Written by: Rana Atef

El Khankah, Al Qalyubia, Egypt

Monday - October 28, 2024

12:30 am

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Below photos show the screenshots from Sky View Lite application and the engagements of the page's post about the album (posted in August 2024 on Arab Metal Society page)

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This is review is written by the author during her 40 days of self-healing and caring challenge to bid farewell to 20s, and welcome 30s. 

1/40.