Style: Prog Rock/Metal, Vietnamese folk (instrumental)
Review by: Sam
Country: Vietnam
Release date: 29 January, 2021

My album of the year last year was made by a Vietnamese band called Hac San. This is a side project by their guitarist, so naturally I’m the one reviewing this. I don’t often try my hand at instrumental music as I find it difficult to describe due to my lack of music theory knowledge, but I’ll do my best. Chances are this will be a very short review.

Like Hac San, this band is on the lighter side of the prog metal spectrum (although without the Dream Theater worship). It’s a very gentle, melodic affair. The songs are driven by the lead guitar, but there are plenty of moments without it, preventing the album from becoming a shred fest. Even better, there’s barely even any shred. Instead the album is focused around upbeat beats with happy guitar melodies supplemented with warm keys and Vietnamese folk elements. Through a whole swath of guest musicians we also get a bunch of other instruments like the bamboo flute or the monochord making an appearance to give it an extra local character.

The album is a very easy listen. It has an overall chill vibe that makes it lovely to have in the background. These songs are very well composed and varied. Some songs are more ethereal (“Light of the Life”), others opt for a more metal approach (“Questioning Mind”), and pretty much everything in between happens. Everything just flows so naturally on this. I’m not sure whether it blows me away like the main band did, but each song is just a blast to listen to, as is the overall package. It’s tight, it’s light-hearted, the melodies connect really well, the grooves are super fun, it varies plenty in timbre and tempo, etc. However you spin it, Dzanca is just a lovely album. I’d like to write more about it, but my musical vocabulary is running short so I’ll just call it a day now. Do give this a listen though, you won’t regret it.


Recommended tracks: When the Seams Come Apart, Questioning Mind, Hereafter
Recommended for fans of: Plini, Hac San, melodic/chill music,
Final verdict: 7/10

Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | RYM page

Label: Independent

Dzung is:
– Dzung (guitars)
– Cuong Nhoc (drums)
– TRẦN HẬU (percussion)
– KHƯƠNG AN (acoustic guitar)
– VINH CÓC (bass)


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