Vanderlust: Vanderlust

Italian metal band Vanderlust formed in 2019 and three years later released their self-titled debut. This album is my introduction to the band and its overall memorability makes this well worthwhile for anyone searching for your next metal fix.

In the band are:
Santo Garibaldi (bass)
Jack (drums, lead and backing vocals)
Franz Romeggini (guitars and backing vocals)
Riccardo Morello (lead vocals)
With:
Letizia Cappellini (guest vocals on three tracks)

The album consists of thirteen tracks, each one referring to an outer space adventure. They do not appear to be tied together other than the overall science fiction concept. The band plays power and progressive metal with elements of rock but incorporate many introspective moments and tons of melodies. The songs are well written and provide plenty of instrumental fireworks.

After the short "Intro" track the album begins proper with the catchy metal of “High Hopes� beginning with a fast guitar riff with mellower passages underneath to soften the edges. The lead vocals of Morello are very good, the accent is noticeable but doesn’t get in the way of his delivery. A ripping guitar solo and some nice bass passages round things out. “Orphan Planet� begins with some nice neo classical guitar and skillful tapping techniques, thick and fluid bass and eventually highlighted by another catchy chorus. Morello sings with gusto hitting the high notes with ease and the entire band plays with an energetic flair. A cool drum intro begins “Forgotten Breed�, showcasing Garibaldi’s thick and rumbling bass lines and heavy rock guitar riffs. A relaxed vocal delivery and subtle guitar softens the heaviness as the band commits to another catchy chorus. “Ten Years Back� has a little bit of Maiden in its DNA. The band shows it is not adverse to acoustic guitar on “The Last Ganymedian� before erupting with heavy flourishes and a chorus to die for and with the album ending “Zima Blue� the acoustic playing is particularly pretty before the heavier riffs unfold.

Vanderlust made a wonderful self-titled debut album and although it was released in 2022 it is still not too late to grab this one as soon as you can. All metal fans should find something to love here. Oh, and sci-fi buffs will love the artwork! A Rockshots Records’ release.

Track Listing:
1. Intro (0:58)
2. High Hopes (3:34)
3. Orphan Planet (3:41)
4. Forgotten Breed (5:13)
5. The Last Ganymedian (3:45)
6. Scavengers Of Kuiper Belt (4:02)
7. Mass Effect: Destruction (2:04)
8. Requiem For An Ancient World (4:59)
9. 3 Suns (4:44)
10. Dyson’s Swarm (4:00)
11. Ringworld (3:26)
12. Ten Years Back (3:38)
13. Zima Blue (4:39)

Added: June 14th 2026
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band on YouTube
Hits: 13
Language: english

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