PRESS REVIEWS
"Vanitas push the progressive side of their sound to even more impressive heights with the finale of Queen of Nowhere. The vocals have some real savagery here, and again, it’s got a chorus that sounds enormous. Layered with melody, delivering a constant slew of punchy beats, and ending in truly epic fashion, it’s a closing track that lives up to the expectations that we all have for Vanitas now - Their rise is notable, but it’s a rise based off quality and this EP proves that fact unequivocally. Vanitas aren’t just a bright prospect in the UK metal scene, they’re looking like a dominant worldwide force already."
"Even though this EP is only six tracks in length, it packs enough of a punch to make the listener feel as if they experience a full-length album - Vanitas has an amazing future in the niche known as cinematic metal. This EP felt so big and commanding that it is clear that this young band has nowhere to go but up."
"Chaos Theory is a magnum opus that transcends the boundaries of symphonic metal, pushing the genre into uncharted territory. Vanitas's masterful composition and technical proficiency shine through in every track, delivering a listening experience that is as immersive as it is awe-inspiring.”
“Birmingham is a holy ground for British heavy metal: household names include JUDAS PRIEST and BLACK SABBATH. Could rising stars VANITAS join this growing list? Judging from the sounds on Chaos Theory, the possibility is on the cards for sure.”
“Birmingham purveyors of cinematic djent return with their sophomore release and it's just more, more than what they have done before, sweeping orchestral add a feeling of soundtracking, be it video games or fantasy films. There's massive swathes on E.D.G and the title track, the latter a bit more nuanced as they take a similar vein to Symphony X's sound on Paradise Lost. Vanitas return with a much heavier sound than they have had before this and it pays off well on their second release.”
“How about a rampaging grand finale that sounds like it belongs to the soundtrack to the biggest of summer blockbuster movies in the cinema? “Queen Of Nowhere” is very much that song, a cut that could easily be playing out as the final credits roll. Soaked in majestic orchestrations that don’t overpower the rest of the sound, it finds the band play with depth and texture, all the while capturing the energy of their live performances like lightning in a bottle. Mixing up the vocal stylings ensures this plays out like a thunderstorm, one moment dark and moody and the next vibrant and bright. The truth is that Vanitas are at the top of their game and with this record they can do no wrong, so where they go from here will be intriguing”
“A curiously medieval tinged intro to ‘Chaos Theory’ with a quivering vocal, then explodes to the first caterwauling verse and a surprisingly sedate chorus, heavying up to a drum driven mad midsection, as sweeping orchestral strings surge towards a song I didn’t want to end! The Final, and also my favourite track ‘Queen Of Nowhere’ is literally belched out on an unrelenting cacophony of bonafide, pit opening brutality from staccato drum patterns, mesmerising guitars and a lead vocal that defies belief in its overwhelming power!”
LIVE REVIEWS
“With a flare for dramatics, and a newly updated light show, Vanitas put on a stellar performance that rivals that of bands with ten times the followings, songs that are catchy headbangers, mix with emotional moments of musical therapy, and bring an excited crowd together with great energy. Mosh Pits and swaying flashlights consume The Flappers tiny downstairs gig room, and at every moment throughout the show you can sense that everyone there from band members to gig-goers is having the best time possible. Watching Vanitas’ roster of insanely talented musicians work through an, already impressive, catalog of new and older songs really is a joy, and listening to Jades unrelenting and powerful vocals is best described as awe inspiring.”