A very good (though not divine) audition
Roberto M. Barros | São Paulo, Brasil | 05/03/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's been sometime since I heard something really worthwhile from the melodic metal bands (I don't consider Edguy melodic metal anymore). But surprise comes from unexpected sources. I got this album mostly because I would like to listen to Judas' Touch Of Evil cover with Fabio Lione, who is one of the best singers in Europe today (and who needs to get the hell out of Rhapsody...).
But guess what? My favorite song from this album ended up being Out In Open Space, even over the Judas cover. Great song, starts slow but changes mood often, lots of personality and a chorus that got me singing from the first audition. Fly also stands out, sounding almost like an 80's classic metal song with a catchy chorus that grabs you easily. And Fading Shadows is also a great song, quite heavy for this genre. And, of course, there is Touch of Evil, very well executed even if I expected a little more. A Letter for My Child Never Born is a great if long introducer and the remaining songs are quite good, some of them flirting with that same heaviness that made Edguy stood out from the Helloween wannabes that abound in the melodic metal scene.
Of course, Fabio Lione's comeback goes a long way into explaining why Vision Divine suddenly got my attention, and this disc is a proof that given a good, solid and classic band he could aim for higher stages when compared with the Metal Tarantella he currently sings for (for those who don't know, I refer to Rhapsody of Fire...). But it would be unfair of me to not mention the great guitar work in this album and the compositions that prioritized feeling and structure over speed or needless soloing.
It's not a revolution and this album will not be on your top 5 albums list, but it's a good listen for all those who enjoy classic metal, melodic metal and/or a good singer."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1