Reviews

Album Review: "Ubiquitous" - YOKOVICH

by The Metalverse

Updated October 01, 2024

YOKOVICH releases debut album "Ubiquitous"

Track Listing:

Old Blood & Guts
Dead Wall
Burn
Pure Illusion
Letters
Gone With The Frost
Interlude #1
The Society Expectations
Volcanic
Uncontrollable
Memories Fade
Sacrifice

Review

Originating in 2021 out of Lisbon, Portugal, Yokovich is a 4-piece metal act that released their debut album "Ubiquitous" on September 27th. The album begins with the track "Old Blood & Guts" as disconcerting ambient noise and ringing phone lines pave the way for explosive guitar leads and racing drums to introduce themselves. Yokovich quickly establishes a musical style that mixes influences ranging from thrash, heavy metal, grunge, stoner, and gothic genres. Covering deep lyrical themes like ongoing wars around the world, "Old Blood & Guts" is an equally complex and hard-hitting track.

"Dead Wall" starts with an EDM rave beat making hints of futuristic and space-themed techno from the previous track take the forefront this time around. Yokovich creates an attractive blend of electronic music and heavy metal as grooving death metal riffs are contrasted by distant dance beats. "Dead Wall" even ends with an intensely heavy breakdown that kicks in unexpectedly and shows that Yokovich isn't here to mess around.

"Burn" starts off with a more progressive sound, featuring a focus on infectious melodies and bright guitar chords. Spacey arpeggiated synths showcase an experimental sound as things slow down and thumping bass lines take the lead. "Burn" is a track that pays homage to progressive metal greats like Tool while still exhibiting a unique and creative sound from Yokovich.

Starting off with bouncing synths, an electronic beat, and distorted vocals, "Pure Illusion" alternates between industrial EDM and chugging heavy metal in a way that reminds of Nine Inch Nails. Yokovich experiments even further with "Pure Illusion" as they continue to evolve their sound throughout the album, keeping the listener interested as they jump between genres all while not straying from their brutal metal roots. Yokovich catapults the listener into the midst of a violent old-school breakdown as spacey synths bounce around the mix, creating a deeply interesting yet crushingly heavy soundscape.

"Letters" begins with dance beats and distorted singing before bursting into fully-fledged death metal with deep growls and aggressive guitar riffage. Yokovich excellently balances contrast between melody and destruction with their music, creating unique sounds that mix futuristic progressive rock and EDM, before launching into a traditional extreme metal sound.

Starting with synth cowbells that remind us of phonk, Yokovich builds up with gentle singing and piano in "Gone With The Frost" before launching into an anthemic chorus with soaring vocal melodies and dark guitar chords. Taking a slower and more melancholy approach with this song, Yokovich shows another level of complexity in their music and we love the use of the phonk-inspired cowbell throughout the track adding yet another unique element.

After a short atmospheric interlude, "The Society Expectations" jumps in with funky bass and building electronic beats as singing vocals soon make way for a massive chorus with ricocheting synth pads and dynamic guitar melodies. Yokovich shows off their talent with one of the catchiest choruses of the album so far while still mixing no shortage of elements from electronic music, heavy metal, and rock.

"Volcanic" starts with racing guitar leads before cutting into blast beats and singing vocals in an interesting combination of tempo changes and rapid instrumental switch-ups, creating an experimental and hectic series of changes. Yokovich takes a bold approach with "Volcanic" as they defy typical songwriting approaches and create a chaotic yet attractive sound. After a beautifully crushing breakdown, the song leads into the final chorus before jumping into yet another breakdown to wrap things up.

The 10th song, "Uncontrollable" starts with undeniable metal energy as heavy-hitting guitar chugs back up emphasized sing/screaming vocals. Yokovich utilizes melodic elements expertly alongside an array of unrelenting extreme metal to create a diverse and exciting sound in their music. In an epic finale, "Uncontrollable" goes out with a bang, as a continuously slowing tempo breakdown creates an onslaught of brutality.

"Memories Fade" brings back EDM influences with a dance beat intro before launching into alternating singing and screaming, explosive guitar leads, and impactful drumming. Yokovich makes excellent use of anticipation throughout "Ubiquitous" as they balance gentler electronic sections with harsher classic death metal sections, creating huge shifts in energy and dynamics.

The final track, "Sacrifice" starts with an intro that sounds akin to a lullaby before introducing psychedelic talking samples and building drums as ambient pads fill in the background. In a sudden transformation, the song bursts into bright guitar progressions and melodic vocals, creating a more upbeat sound. "Sacrifice" is the longest song of the album, clocking in at 6 minutes as it takes the listener on a psychedelic journey through progressive rock experimentation and addictively catchy melodies.

Overall, "Ubiquitous" is an impressive debut album from Yokovich that shows an exciting multitude of influences that span all across rock, metal, and electronic genres. Hailing from Portugal, Yokovich is a promising act that you will definitely want to check out, especially if you are a fan of progressive rock and metal. You can stream "Ubiquitous" out now!