GODBLUFF

VDGG are back after a four year break with an even tighter, cleaner and more aggressive sound to them, with Hammill in particular delivering some of his most intense vocals yet, notably on 'Arrow' with equally forceful music to back them up with. After a more delicate start with 'Undercover Man', the rest of the songs are long, complex and intense, but also with a very good melodic sense to them and some really powerful climaxes, like in the massive finale of 'Scorched Earth'. Great build-up's all around. The bleak sound of H to He and Pawn Hearts is not as prominent here, that might make this a good starting point for VDGG's music, although they remain an acquired taste generally. Godbluff ranks among the bands best stuff, and to me is the strongest album of their later trilogy in the 70's. 4.5/5