VISION DIVINE – “Blood and angels’ tears” (2024)

Italy has created a very distinguished Prog/Power Metal scene with representatives like ATHENA, ELDRITCH, SECRET SPHERE and the disbanded TIME MACHINE, to name a few. You cannot draft such a list without mentioning VISION DIVINE and LABYRINTH, both featuring Olaf Thorsen on the guitars. With him alternating releases between the two bands lately, it is time for VISION DIVINE’s new entry to see the light of day. 

“Blood and angels’ tears” is a concept album concerning three angels’ exile from heaven, following the events of the battle between Lucifer and Archangel Michael, a story that will be completed in two records. It is a fully fleshed out concept as in the lyrics of each song we see a brief description of its lore, making each track feel like a chapter similarly to how it was done in “Destination set to nowhere”. Apart from that, such a theme needs a relevant musical background which is achieved by the inclusion of some cinematic touches during songs. In fact, the brief intro ‘War in heaven’ will trick you into thinking you are listening to a Luca Turilli album! 

The record does not pull its punches as it is hinted at by ‘The Ballet of Blood and Angels’ Tears’, with ‘Once Invincible’ sealing the promise that we are in fact dealing with a release full of fast and energetic songs. Even when speed takes a step back, the compositions retain their edge as it is showcased by ‘Drink our blood’. Of course there is no lack of slower moments that will help in building a more dramatic and theatrical atmosphere in favor of the storytelling. For instance ‘Go east’ may be more mid tempo but it does not lack nice melodies, well executed solos, or any energy. 

The usual suspects are encountered as well, meaning keyboards still dress the music, well performed leads are met on the plural and Ivan Giannini’s intense vocal performance proves that he is the right choice for this era of VISION DIVINE. Not only does he often reside in high octaves that complement the heavy nature of the songs, not only does he equally nail the more sentimental parts by sounding like his predecessor Fabio Lione leaving nothing to be desired, but he has also contributed to the songwriting of all but one song, along with Lucatti and Thorsen. 

If I had to choose a favorite song that would not be the easiest thing to do so I will cheat and name more than one. ‘Preys’ is the first due to its over the top chorus, ‘Dice and dancers’ for a similar reason, with ‘The broken past’ competing with a duet that features Alessandro Conti and is a proper Power Metal treat.

I did not unearth any song that instantly shows potential of reaching iconic status like the classics ‘New Eden’, ‘Send me an angel’ or ‘La vita fugge’, but it has more to do with the fact that the album is not trying to invent something new. Its strength lies in creating a familiar soundscape in the best way possible, resulting in an unexpectedly good record that can be experienced with enjoyment from start to finish. VISION DIVINE prove that 25 years later they still have a reason to exist and provide us with many more to give them our attention. Needless to say that I would not only recommend it to fans of the band, but to any Power/Heavy Metal fan.

85/100

Pavlos Pavlakis