Stratovarius--Visions (1997)
Rating--9.3
The Kiss of Judas--RealAudio Legions--RealAudio
European prog power metal at its finest. Great vocals, harmonies, and keyboards; sharp and biting guitar work. Very speed induced while
staying melodic, as the best and heaviest images of Helloween,
Dream Theater, Radakka, Queensryche, and Yngwie Malmsteen are evoked. What
more can you stay? Well, I suppose lighter (but more intricate) Priest and Iced Earth flavorings
show up as well. Good stuff...to say the least!
Great riffs are placed throughout, with almost all of the songs featuring time shifts and other
breaks from the norm of standard songwriting and play. "Legions" and "The Abyss of Your Eyes" stand as two definite highlights,
mixing slow grinding moments with Tate-like vocals and double bass interludes. "The Kiss of Judas" flows around a strong chug,
and as is the case on all the songs the solos shine.
"Black Diamond," "Paradise," and the title track all wind and seduce with
passionate moments, as you quickly realize that no track on this release is filler. Splendid work.
TRACK LIST: The Kiss of Judas/Black Diamond/Forever Free/Before the Winter/Legions/The Abyss of Your Eyes/Holy Light/
Paradise/Coming Home/Visions (Southern Cross)
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