VALOUR is not what I expected, I get nervous when a band calls themselves Alternative Metal, it usually means nothing good; however, VALOUR may have changed my opinion on this with their recent self-titled release, because this British band is strangely appealing on many levels.

VALOUR sounds similar to NONPOINT and SEVENDUST; they have melodic vocals, guitar leads, and Punk-influenced drum work. The alternative aspect of VALOUR can be heard directly through the vocals.

One area where VALOUR has been criticized is their lyrical content, where I am going to have to respectfully disagree. Now, I’m not saying these words will change your life, but they embrace the age the band is at, but more importantly, the age of their listeners and the concerns and feelings those fans have. My personal favorite is “Bracknell Aristocracy,” with lyrics such as “Summer warmth holds all the hype/Winter beauty, urban glaze/Coming from the streetlight haze,” and “I guess my sympathy died with their personality/’cuz there ain’t an excuse/apart from maybe child abuse/I will not stand for this shit anymore, com stand with me.”

In summary, give them a listen and you may be pleasantly surprised.

(Online April 1, 2009)