“A Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Power-Prog Metal triumph!” No wait - - that’s what I said about Lord Vigo’s last album, 2019's “Danse de Noir.” Their 2022 release, “We Shall Overcome,” is smart Metal Sc-Fi nerdiness to the core, but there’s nothing “Cyber” or “Punk” about any of it. “
No, instead, the influence worn strongest on their sleeve is Rush, specifically “2112.” That allusion becomes more and more overt as the album progresses, leading to an open tribute in its closing seconds. The lyrical concept even focuses itself as a "2112" sequel, set 25 years later (with no apparent connection to Kevin J. Anderson's books in this universe).

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The modern Metal world is sleeping on this band. “We Shall Overcome” is an absolute joy. I’m going to repeat concepts from my last Lord Vigo review again, because they’re relevant to “We Shall Overcome.” Drummer/singer/keyboardist Vinz Clortho has a unique, high wail of a voice, which I think brings a lot of character and definition to the songs. It can also be a little cloying and one-dimensional, which I could foresee pushing some listeners away. “
Regardless, the rest of the ingredients are unimpeachable. Clortho is somehow an active, busy drummer, while also multitasking on the mic (and also the keyboards? Live??). The guitars and atmo synths layer upon each other beautifully, and nothing ever gets in the way of the excellence of the songs. “
Since the Sun Was Young.”