VISIONS OF ATLANTIS – Ethera

Todd 'ToddStar' Jolicoeur | 9 February 2013 | Reply

Label: Napalm Records

Release Date: March 22, 2013

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

I hate waiting for follow up discs from artists, especially if I really enjoyed the previous offering. That is the case with Visions of Atlantis. I loved their last disc and couldn’t wait to see what they followed up with. “The Ark” opens the disc and picks up where the previous disc left off, except this sounds a bit cleaner and more refined. The sound and vocals are more cohesive and sound great on this track. “Machinage” follows and is another symphonic piece that demonstrates what this band does so well. The guitar work here is really good and keeps the song clipping along. “Avatara” is next and features a soaring chorus that builds between the lead vocals, guitars, and keyboards. “Vicious Circle” comes along and slows the tempo down a bit, with an introduction that sets the stage for a beautiful interlude on the disc. The chorus bulks up, but doesn’t detract from the songs mood and pace at all. “Hypnotized” is next and seems to follow suit with a mellow introduction, but soon the guitars and drums kick in. The vocals charge in and make sure you haven’t forgotten this band plays symphonic rock alongside the best of them. “Tlaluc’s Grace” has a cool piano intro that leads the way for a short duet, before the guitars kick in and drop a quick solo on the beginning of the track. The keyboards throughout the song seem a bit mismatched to the track, as do some of the male vocals on the bridge.

“Burden Of Divinity” has an intro that is very reminiscent of Journey. Once the song kicks in, you know this is Visions of Atlantis, as the female lead vocals are strong and soaring. This song keeps the band on course. “Cave Behind The Waterfall” is another mellow track that adds a little depth to the rest of the disc by keeping the tempo slower and the song lighter. This is a welcome addition to the arsenal, as the band doesn’t often show its softer side. “AEON 19th” turns the energy, tempo, and volume back up. This rocker has searing guitar leads, emotive vocals, and pounding drums. This track is all killer rock, with no filler. “Bestiality vs. Integrity” follows and gives the band another ballad-like track. This track also stands up against the rest of the disc, like the previous slower tracks. These songs show that for every action, there truly is an equal and opposite reaction. The title of this track is totally misleading. “Clerics Emotion” closes the disc. This turns the volume and energy back up without overwhelming intensity. This is a great rocker that shows what the band is capable of and leaves em once again waiting to see what else they have up their sleeves.

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Category: CD Reviews

About the Author (Author Profile)

ToddStar - that's me... just a rocking accountant who had dreams of being a rock star. I get to do the next best thing to rocking the globe - I get to take pictures of the lucky ones that do. I love to shoot all genres of music and different types of performers. If it is related to music, I love to photograph it. I get to shoot and hang with not only some of my friends and idols, but some of the coolest people around today.