Gateways: Limited Digipack

2006: A year that should change a lot in the life of three Icelandic schoolboys. The year that gave birth to a future classic rock trio named THE VINTAGE CARAVAN. Their self-released debut album ‘The Vintage Caravan’ (2011), and especially their sophomore record ‘Voyage’ (2012; re-released in early 2014) caused an earthquake in the heavy music scene, and brought them a new record deal with Nuclear Blast in 2013. Also their reputation as a powerful live band soon got around and gave them numerous possibilities to open up for acts such as BLUES PILLS and GRAND MAGUS.

Their 3rd trick followed in May 2015 in the form of ‘Arrival’. The ensuing campaign for this release was full of highlights: Their very first, 2-month European headline tour, a Latin American headline tour, 2 UK headline tours, supporting the legendary EUROPE in the European mainland & Scandinavia, performing at 60+ festivals (Summer Breeze, Graspop Metal Meeting, Wacken Open Air, and Hellfest to name but a few)... Events the band never had dared to dream of when they originally formed.

Anyway, whoever thought that ‘Arrival’ would be the end of the story, will be proved wrong by the band’s 4th studio album entitled ‘Gateways’. “We really pushed ourselves to make this album sound as great as possible,” states vocalist/guitarist Óskar. Recorded in the legendary Sundlaugin Studios in Iceland (Sigur Rós), and produced by Ian Davenport (BAND OF SKULLS, »The Twilight Saga: New Moon«), the record’s cover photo art was crafted by Julian Haas (Through The Haze).

DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEPPELIN, JIMI HENDRIX, RAINBOW - the list of bands that influence THE VINTAGE CARAVAN’s creative work is undeniable , but the band still puts their very own stamp on every single track. So they do on ‘Gateways’: The 48-minute ride kicks off with almost threatening guitar weeping, before it converts into ‘Gateways’’ stomping opening track 'Set Your Sights' (cowbell alert!), which is followed by the groovy 'The Way'. Via the first single, an indomitable beast called 'Reflections', the listener lands at the swinging 'On The Run', the perfect soundtrack for an extensive, regardless open-top drive in the summer time with its simple and light, but enormously catchy, lead melodies. 'All This Time' takes a similar line and culminates in a melancholic chorus as well as a soulful guitar solo. Restless shredding introduces 'Hidden Streams', another banger led by haunting guitar lines and pounding drums. 'Reset' surprises with an emphatic riff attack which takes hold in everyone’s brain instantly and should be a fixture of the band’s future set list with its memorable chorus.

These guys simply can’t fail in delivering intense tunes that come together once again in this classic rock cocktail titled ‘Gateways’, on which the band cements and also refines their own style. The final question is: How can THE VINTAGE CARAVAN top this addictive masterpiece? But first go and check out the band’s high-energy live shows…!