ALBUM REVIEW: Vega – Anarchy and Unity

In ‘Anarchy And Unity’ Vega’s 7th full length rest assured they haven’t strayed from their trademark Melodic rocking AOR sound but they have added two new faces to the sonic mix – Billy Taylor (ex-Inglorious) on guitars and Pete Newdeck (Nitrate, Midnite City) on drums. They join singer Nick Workman, guitarist Marcus Thurston, and the brothers Martin, keyboardist James and bassist Tom. After an album like ‘Grit Your Teeth’ just last year they’re back with another class act and seemingly unslowed and unbowed by the pandemic. With dates penciled in for Autumn it may well be the case of the band touring both of these albums.

‘Anarchy and Unity’ seemingly a reference to what we’ve all been going through starts incredibly strongly with ‘Beautiful Lie’ which just bursts out of the speakers with great intent. It’s a cool hard rocker with a soaring melody and the best possible resumption.

The album though is full of great songs and perhaps the heaviest record so far by the band. When you hear songs like ‘Bring The Riot’ and ‘Ain’t Who I Am’ you’ll be hooked. There’s some great melodies, kick ass riffs and and wonderfully smooth mix that allows both guitar, keys and vocals to shine through the wonderfully solid rhythm section.

As well as those rockers though there’s so much more to love with real highlights coming in the shape of the wonderfully Poppy closer ‘2Die4’ the closer and the closest we come to a ballad here ‘Live For Me’ which oozes emotion.

The best though might just be a toss up between two outsiders – the gritty groove of the wonderful fist-pumping ‘Glow’ and the surprising swing and groove of ‘C’Mon’, but in truth on a quality album like this my favourites change with each listen.

8.5 / 10