The Vintage Caravan has spent the past decade building a
reputation as one of the strongest names in the new wave of retro-inspired
rock. Formed in Iceland back in 2006, the trio made their mark with a
combination of heavy riffs, psychedelic colors, and a strong live presence that
carried them to stages like Wacken Open Air and
Hellfest. Their last album, “Monuments”,
proved their rising profile when it entered the German charts, and now they
return with their sixth full-length, “Portals”.
This album
stretches across nearly an hour, balancing short atmospheric interludes with
longer rock-driven tracks. It begins with a surprise. “Philosopher”, a
collaboration with Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth, which brings a brooding depth and prog
weight right at the start. From there, the album splits itself between soulful
songs like “Alone”, with its timeless hard rock energy, and more playful,
riff-driven bursts such as “Riot” and “Electrified”. The guitar tone throughout
is warm and vintage, the rhythm section locks everything together with punch,
and the vocals carry just enough grit to keep the songs raw and human.
“Portals”
is a strong continuation of The Vintage Caravan’s
work. It carries the spirit of classic rock into 2025 without sounding stuck in
the past, full of thick riffs, soulful melodies, and a flow that makes the full
listen rewarding. It’s not the kind of album that tries to overwhelm the
listener, but rather one that thrives on energy, chemistry, and a steady sense
of craft. For fans of retro-prog, psychedelic grooves, and hard rock that has
heart, “Portals” is another reliable entry in the band’s growing catalog.
Score: 8.3
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