Sound: After first watching Vision of Disorder’s new DVD Dead in New York it might seem like the band is nothing but a memory, but fans of the hardcore metal quintet shouldn’t get too depressed yet. It’s true that the 2006 concert footage seen on the DVD was taken from what was supposed to be the band’s final tour dates, but apparently there’s been another change of plans. The latest news is that V.O.D. is currently working on another album due to be released next fall, so take Dead In New York as a little taste of the energy and musical chemistry yet to come.
Filmed at shows in Long Island, NY, and Worcester, MA, the DVD does relay just what an incredibly loyal fan base V.O.D. has amassed over the past decade. The 17 tracks on the playlist never let up in energy, and there’s plenty of blood spilled in the mosh pits. It’s that kind of crazy enthusiasm that drives Dead In New York, which at times does give you the feeling that you’re in an intimate, sweaty club rocking out with the crowd. Among the highlights are “Adelaide” (which does show a slightly more laid-back side to the band at times), “Choke” (a perfect opener and sing-along), and “Element.” The performance of “Element” and several other riff-driven tracks are fantastic, but there is a slight issue in the general mix. It’s a live recording and you can’t be overly picky, but it would have been great to have the lead guitar turned up just a bit more.
V.O.D. puts on an entertaining and aggressive show, and that manic quality will either connect with you or drive you away. If you’re a devotee of the hardcore scene, you’ll love it. Dead In New York doesn’t try to get all artsy or create an MTV look, but it still keeps your attention. Vocalist Tim Williams encourages the crowd (often to the point of being pushy; he loves to call the fans “bitches”), and they give back with everything they’ve got. There’s plenty of blood that is spilled during the course of the show as well - from both the band and the fans. That in itself makes for a fascinating viewing. // 8
Content: The hour-long footage from the 2006 shows is the main attraction, but you do get a few extras along with the concert. There is a brief look at the band’s history, but V.O.D. probably could have even gone more in-depth by adding in longer interviews. It’s short and sweet, and in some ways it does the job in terms of a basic overview. But if you’re wanting a deeper look into the emotions and passions that drove the band and it's songwriting, you’ll have to wait for another DVD. The remaining portions of the extras are quick behind-the-scenes, backstage looks at venues in Massachusetts and Long Island. Those sections are very interesting to watch, particularly because we watch as the band members talk about the band as something that they’ll never revisit again. At the time of my viewing, the DVD still had not hit the shelves. So perhaps they’ll have a postscript to address the future of V.O.D. when the retail version is released. // 7
Production Quality: The images seen during the show are gritty, but they are still edited together very nicely. Yes, at times you can see certain cameramen make their way into shots, but those are always quick shots that lend to the energy of the show. I’m sure V.O.D. didn’t have the biggest budget to work with, and it’s refreshing to see the director give us sideways shots of Williams screaming or some violent mosh pit scenes. The dark lighting is the main issue, but if you like an exact recreation of being in a dim club, then it shouldn’t bother you in the slightest. // 7
Impression: One of the best moments on the DVD is during the extras section when members of the band relay how it was pretty rough getting back into the grind of touring. Some had aches and pains, while others just had to get back to that 9-to-5 job on Monday. It’s that human kind of moment that really gives you a sense of where V.O.D. is coming from these days. The performance wasn’t flawless, but the band did give it everything it had and more. // 8
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