VAST CALDERA “Vast Caldera 1”

Infused Records, 2020

Music: Experimental Music/ Electronic Music / Rock
Website: http://www.justinweissdesign.com/vast-caldera-1
Duration: 17:00 minutes (5 tracks)
Country: U.S.A

Electronic Rock/Metal is perhaps one of the most hated genres among Metalheads. However, this unholy marriage of two different elements is not that bad – given you listen to those artists who blend it well. Justin Weiss is one of them. Surprisingly, he managed to pull it off on his very first release dubbed “Vast Caldera 1”. Under the moniker “Vast Caldera”, Justin will be releasing this 5-track, 17-minute album(or EP), on September 1. Prior to its release, we had the opportunity to listen to it and pen down our thoughts on it.

Growing up listening to Rock and Metal legends like Metallica, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, Justin has spent the majority of his life learning to play the guitar – just to recreate the classics he listened to when he was young. His musical journey would take an abrupt shift during his College days, as it introduced him to the Electronic scene. Following artists such as Pretty Light, and Bassnectar, Justin was convinced that the Electronic music industry is just as good as the Rock. That’s when he started pursuing Electronic music. Learning how to arranging and producing different elements, Justin’s love for Classic Rock compelled him to do something unorthodox. This unorthodox recreation of his guitar riffs through Electronic music is what we see the most in this EP.

Starting the album with “Romance”, Justin made sure he would give his listeners a gist of his musical style through this single. In a way, it holds significant importance in his career, “Romance” is actually his very first song. And needless to say, he has excelled in it! Managing to pull out the eclectic mix of Rock and Electronic, you will be HOOKED listening to the track. A perfect album-opener. The second track, “Adamant”, however, is a short capsule of whole different elements that bursts euphoria upon listening. Of course, there is a better way to put it, but the track gives you an experience that can’t be explained in words. Beginning with a cinematic-ish sound, the track progresses into a more guitar-centric sound as soon as different layers get added to it. The track is just 3 minutes, but the number of elements going into it would be enough to expand it to 3 more minutes. In fact, when I listened to it, I felt as if the song came to a close abruptly. I would’ve definitely enjoyed a couple more minutes of it.

The second half of the EP is just as impressive as the first. While “Glory” embraces his proficiency in arranging electronic elements the last two tracks shows off his creativity. The last track, “Dawn”, in particular, is beautifully written. Starting with piano notes, the song jumps back to Rock-esque guitar solo. It goes back and forth almost like a duel. Perhaps, one of the best songs in this EP.

“Vast Caldera 1” introduced the world what Justin is capable of accomplishing. This EP should be taken as a benchmark to see how well he matures as an artist. Although the EP is impressively written, I still think that he can do better. I may not be an expert, but I believe the songs could be a little bit more longer. Personally, I wanted some of the tracks to be at least 6 minutes because there are a lot of elements on one single track that only 3 minutes isn’t enough to showcase them. But considering the fact that this is his very first release, Justin has nailed it! Definitely looking forward to what he has in store for us in future! If he keeps up his good work, he soon will be celebrated equally among the Rockers and the Electronic music fanatics!

Tracklist:

1. Romance
2. Adamant
3. Glory
4. Nightfall
5. Dawn

Line-up:

Justin Weiss – Guitar & Production

Rate: 9.5/10