| Musical Style: Gothic Metal | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Rexius Records | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2026 | Artist Website: Voice Of Glass |
| Tracks: 6 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 28:42 |
Voice Of Glass more than holds its own in the Gothic rock segment. The two-member group consisting of guitarist David Meek and vocalist Olya Meek traces to Bulgaria when it was founded in 2002 ahead of recording four years later a pair of singles, “Valley” and “Song Of Songs”. Subsequent to recording in 2007 the EP Making Me Real, Voice Of Glass relocated to the United States and independently released its 2011 full length debut The End Of You, an 85% Angelic Warlord graded work defined by ‘consistent songwriting and quality production’ in which it takes a ‘heavier approach to the Gothic genre’ (quoting the review). The group went on extended hiatus until 2022 at which point it put out a three song EP, Hours, prior to following up with three singles in 2024, "Prodigal Son", "Circles" and "Shadow of a Dream". Voice Of Glass proceeded to sign with Rexius Records for its January of 2026 six song EP Epos.
While a “Gothic’ label might be accurate as it pertains to Voice Of Glass, it does not do the group justice either. No doubt, Voice Of Glass embodies the dark and atmospheric subtleties not to mention moody melancholy personifying the Gothic genre, but close look reveals much more to its sound. It begins with how Voice Of Glass reinforces a guitar inclining that falls within metal and hard rock categories in addition to an intricate and complex songwriting basis to touch upon the progressive. When further factoring occasional modern distinction, the multifarious Voice Of Glass sound is complete. Helping tie the various musical forms together is talented front lady Olya Meek, whom brings a deeply resonant, powerful and expansive style that is in a lower range compared to many Gothic and symphonic female contemporaries.
Solemn and introspective opening Epos track “This World Is Broken” finds her standing out in such regard, with the reticent opening verse sections - noting the chill presence of cello and violin - allowing her to expand and reveal the full breadth to the soulful side of her vocal delivery. Equally contemplative is the haunting refrain to see her smooth in elegant fashion. The orchestral metal to Ecthirion comes to mind. Lyric snippet:
When the world falls asleep
And loses its soul in the deep
Where will we be when there is no peace
And all that remains is incomplete
Show me where are all the redeemed
Where is the hope which feed our peace
Lost and hungry, we are souls in need
Where's truth when we're left so unseen
“Soteria” impresses as equally disconsolate and mournful, mirrored in the ambient feel to the drifting opening instrumental moments embraced by doleful bass. As the song drifts forward, David Meek’s guitar takes hold in building upon the portent themes with inauspicious soloing and boding rhythm guitar. Of all the albums material this one best embraces the Gothic aesthetic. Lyric snippet:
What can save me from this sordid disease,
Only death could ever set me free.
In the wake of my despair,
Your love came to me.
The perfects sacrifice
If only I trust enough to believe
Life passing me by
Full of moments not lived
Subsequent two songs are not so much albums finest - I and know this might be presumptuous so early in the year - as they are potential song of the year candidates. First “Henosis” comes across in form of a Gothic ballad, laboring and leisurely from the start in combining equal parts unflappable and nonchalant. At moments notice, however, incentive bursts as rhythm guitar swells to the front and leads way to the inspirited refrain of an endearing form- very catchy in a refuse to go away sense. A progressive time signature reveals for the final two-minute artful guitar driven instrumental run. Lyric snippet:
I lay awake
And I live in dreams of better heaven
There is no pain
Every tear’s dry and wiped away
The shadows dance
And twist the same but I still call your name
The morning breaks
The sun is up and I can see your face
Second “The Phoenix” represents six minutes of intrepid inspiration, subdued with a sober tempo approaching the doom like but also irrefutable as a disconsolate melody of the highest order empowers in near commercial sense. Rhythm guitar triggers frontward for the steeled instrumental moments. This song is perfect as it gets. Lyric snippet:
So, turn your eyes up to the sky
And let your running tears dry
He gave it all so we can rise
Spread your wings and take to flight
Just let your soul sing through the night
Like the phoenix we'll never die
“The Ancient Of Days” impresses as a song of hope and encouragement. Musically, it incorporates the signature Voice Of Glass swarthy themes and reflected overtures, pinpointing signature unflinching moments, but also springs of incitement, distinguishing the inauspicious melody and unhesitating themes throughout. Lyrics are in similar accord:
Don't deny that there is truth inside
Eternal light to guide this fight.
Don’t you know that the Ancient of Days
He never fades
Everlasting, this hope never dies.
Light on the horizon you are
Darkness runs from your eyes
You are life, you are beginning
Epos closes to an instrumental version to “The World Is Broken”, which serves to reinforce further the songs atmospheric founding.
Epos gets 2026 off to a strong start as a high quality EP to skirt Gothic to metal to progressive to modern territory. With top-notch production, professional vocal performance, spot on musicianship and consistent songwriting - noting the brilliance to “Henosis” and “The Phoenix” - the entire package end up delivered. Round the EP out with four to five additional songs of equal merit and Epos scores in the 90% range (minimum). The established Voice Of Glass fan base not to mention those into Gothic music in its varying forms is encouraged to make Epos a priority purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “This World Is Broken” (3:43), “Soteria” (4:32), “Henosis” (6:03), “The Phoenix” (6:00), “The Ancient Of Days” (4:37), “This World Is Broken” (Instrumental) (3:43)
Musicians
Oyla Meek - Lead Vocals
David Meek - Guitars
Andy Beldy Jr. - Bass & Synthesizers
Carlos Silva – Drums
Anthony Raya - Drums
David Warner - Cello & Violin
