In the saturated world of power metal, progressive metal, and melodic metal, there is something that usually comes along and provides a more introspective and dynamic edge with driving riffs and catchy riffs; being that it is all above par of course. While mixing the vibe of Fates Warning, Time Machine,
House of Shakira and Riot; Nighvision deliver 12 gusto packed songs that are fueled by intelligent compelling charisma.
The album presents a tight groove with sub-symphonic arrangements that are layered with guitar riff and keyboard passages; typical with tracks such as
"Soldier of a Dark Land," the Hammond organ driven
"Silent Cry," as well as
"Time is Running Out" that take center stage for catchiness (where hints of
Rainbow and
Stratovarius are present). But of course, these guys don't lack the emotion, for it is with cuts such as
"The End" and the ballad
"Hard to Let You Go" that the beauty and the darkness is copulated to push the envelope for a more gloomy, mood driven atmosphere.
For the most part, the headroom is extended just enough for guitar and keyboard solos, where there is an appropriate amount of improvisation used from time to time; not to mentions the drums follow a more 4/4 beat (with technical fills, of course) rather than consistently pulsating the double bass, although the driving percussive factor is there. Finally, I must mention vocalist Peter Hogberg, who sounds like a cross between a lower tenor Joey Tempest and Timo Kotipelto, signing out his falsettos in discrete manner, as well as providing the main source for the harmonies. Overall, it's an impressive debut that provides a more diversified soundscape into metal for which the songwriting penmanship and musical chops provide.
Written by
Hashman Sunday, September 4, 2005
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