VISION DIVINE
VISION DIVINE “Blood And Angel’s Tears”
By Iron Sheik
Formed in Italy in 1998 as a solo project of Olaf Thorsen, VISION DIVINE would go through many lineup changes and become one of Italy's top power progressive metal acts. Although Ivan Giannini is the band’s third singer, replacing original singer Fabio Lione in his second ten year tenure has proven he is capable. Debuting in 1999 with their self titled release “Vision Divine”, the band returns 25 years on with their ninth and latest effort “Blood And Angels' Tears”...n epic story of three angels that were cast out in an epic war between Lucifer and Archangel Michael. Banishment, indecision, cataclysm, leads to redemption, unity, and resilience in this first part of the story. It will conclude on the followup. First, though, we are going on the journey west and east.
With the "old serpent called the devil and his angels cast out", the ensuing “War In Heaven” is where the tale begins. It takes us to hear a symphony, "a shameful...dancing cascade" in the “Ballet Of Blood” And angels' Tears. Sorrowfully it is played to "broken heroes...ghosts", the “Once Invincible”. Now that "nothing remains" will the cast out “Drink Our Blood”? "Shadows fade out" “When Darkness Comes”, for "I am calling you." Lurking in the darkness, in the shadows is where we are.
In this darkness...a demon's on our trail, feeding on our sorrow" it Preys causing us "to backtrack".
Continuing the story "the void won't stop until It's job is done" with “The Man On A Mission”. The siren sings to “Go East” even though it's "now time to pay for our sins". "Whispering in my ear...another ghost" emerges from “The Broken Past”. “Dice And Dancers” lays bare the burden in a time of indecision. An awareness shows the fate, the destiny. " A new start...maybe it's just the end" leaves the angels “Lost”. This concludes part 1 of the story in an epoch beyond yet well before modern time.
“Blood And Angels' Tears” is proudly presented by Olaf Thörsen – guitars (1998–present), Federico "Pule" Puleri – guitars (2002–present), Alessio Lucatti – keyboards (2006–present), Andrea "Tower" Torricini – bass (1999–2006, 2012–present), Ivan Giannini – vocals (2018–present), and Matt Peruzzi – drums (2022–present). VISION DIVINE's grand vision is brought about by those six musicians and their dedication to a progressive story and power metal musicianship.
VISION DIVINE plays an epic style of progressive power metal taking the listener on a journey through a time long ago. “Blood And Angels' Tears” is a great Chapter 1 begging for Chapter 2. Even though this album is supposed to be the opening with the next album being the conclusion. A longing for redemption through the millenia cries forth, and I kind of got a feeling of it relating to life today. Maybe not in the exact words the album brings forth like banishment, cataclysm, indecision, redemption, or unity, but in similar tones of not knowing which way to go...being cast asunder with an indecisive manner. Would not setting things right and bringing the groups together be something we have been through at some point in our lives today? I draw a lot out lyrics, but this album speaks volumes musically too. Put this album on, turn up the volume and take a journey to another time, another epoch.