Simon RushworthNita Strauss — The Call Of The Void (Sumerian)
A dramatic response to those dissing her for hooking up with Demi Lovato?
Perhaps.
Confirmation that Nita Strauss is still a metal queen at heart?
Maybe.
An acceptance that Controlled Chaos was, well, a little too controlled?
It’s possible.
The Call Of The Void could reflect all of the above and more.
But above all else it’s a self-confident, star-studded statement of intent from one of the most assured six stringers on the planet.
To say Strauss has strayed beyond her comfort zone is to completely downplay the remarkably bold approach to solo album number two.
The sheer range of styles employed here is mind boggling.
And the diverse list of collaborators makes for a constantly unpredictable rollercoaster ride of heavy — and occasionally uncompromising — music.
It’s The Call Of The Void’s strength as well as its weakness.
Because the downside to inviting nine special guests and exploring myriad styles is an album that rarely flows as one linear piece of work.
It’s a minor quibble.
And as long as you’re prepared to judge each of the 14 songs here in splendid isolation then get ready for Nita like you’ve never heard her before.
Strauss answers The Call Of The Void
Strauss admits that The Call Of The Void ‘was born kicking and screaming’ and there’s an underlying sense that this powerful project wasn’t all plain sailing.
The flipside is an album rich in raw emotion, helmed by an artist unafraid to experiment.
There’s an unrelenting pace and extreme passion underpinning instrumental opener Summer Storm — a lightning strike of Strauss at her thunderous best.
Next up is the brutal but immersive The Wolf You Feed.
Featuring Arch Enemy growler Alissa White-Gluz, it’s another blast of molten metal forged from the depths of Strauss’s inner angst.
Of course her boss — at least one of them — makes a welcome appearance.
And Alice Cooper’s call-to-arms vocal style is perfectly suited to the arena-ready Winner Takes It All.
Has a WWE Superstar already bagged this bona fide banger as their ring walk?
If not, please form an orderly queue.
Dorothy, Lzzy Hale and Lilith Czar drop in to stamp their own indelible marks on Strauss’s manifesto for ‘metal girl power’.
And all three are right on brand as the defiant Victorious, Through The Noise and Monster represent a hat-trick of high-energy highlights.
Strauss has nothing to prove as one of rock’s most in-demand fret burners but The Call Of The Void is reputation-enhancing, nevertheless.
Closing out with the finest collaboration here — in the shape of bonus track Surfacing, featuring Marty Friedman — is inspired.
Nita at her neatest.
