By now, the novelty of Van Canto’s acapella metal should have worn off. After all, as its title implies, To the Power of Eight is the German band’s eighth album of songs featuring nothing but unbridled percussion and vocal power. Still, Van Canto—comprised of one woman and six men (some of whom use their amplified voices to imitate guitars and bass)—deliver enthusiastic, cinematic and life-affirming riffs-be-damned performances on original tracks such as the galloping “Faith Focus Finish,” the pirate-y “Heads Up High” and the anthemic “Hardrock Padlock.”
The group also continues its tradition of inspired covers—Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hills,” Queen’s “I Want It All,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”—broadening its appeal and boosting the curiosity factor among the uninitiated. To the Power of Eight also features a “very special guest”: original lead singer Philip Dennis “Sly” Schunke, who appeared on Van Canto’s first six albums.
You won’t even miss the guitars.
