Vision Divine
The 25th Hour

Vision Divine are back. After the astounding success of The Perfect Machine, which once again managed to please both critics and the public, and following a significant line-up change, here they are releasing a brand-new album: The 25th Hour. We resume the story started with Stream of Consciousness, now unfolding 40 years later through the letters of the condemned in the psychiatric hospital. So, let's talk about the new Vision Divine: a change on bass with Cristiano Bertocchi (formerly of Labyrinth), on keyboards with Alessio "Tom" Lucatti (Deep Purple Tribute Band), and behind the drums with Alessandro Bissa. Thus, while there aren't major changes on the bass—generally the least highlighted instrument in this genre—we do notice some transformations in the sound impact and style with the other two instruments. Matteo Amoroso had previously guided the band through his preferred progressive territories on the last two albums, whereas Bissa prefers a cleaner style in rhythm and riffing (even though his technical skills are apparent) and generally favors tighter and angrier rhythms. Lucatti, on the other hand, was truly the surprise of this album in my opinion; despite his young age (23 years), he has managed to effectively replace the mythical Oleg Smirnoff, mimicking his style in some solos, while also working to establish a style that blends the influences of Kevin Moore and Beethoven (one of his musical idols).
It's precisely in the first track that all his neoclassical influence is palpable, in a piece lasting less than a minute where the piano merges perfectly with the clear voice of Michele Luppi. Luppi is in great shape on this album, but at times you can hear a slightly annoying use of the vocoder to adjust his vocal melody (in my opinion, he doesn't need it!), especially in the choirs, which end up sounding a bit "fake". Another important track on the album is Alpha & Omega, the lead single, with its video evoking somewhat gothic atmospheres. The song is catchy but lacks the right rhythmic drive, in my view. Another noteworthy song is Essence of Time, which strongly recalls the atmosphere of "Time for Love", a track from Luppi's solo album "Strive": it's the first track in 4/4 timing that strongly revisits the rhythmic patterns of Vision Divine.
Also good are "A Perfect Suicide" and "Heaven Calling". The album closes with the beautiful "Ascension", where Olaf Thorsen reprises the mythical solo of "Identities", the closing track of Stream of Consciousness. In conclusion, the album benefits from an impeccable production (thanks in part to Timo Tolkki of Stratovarius, who had the tracks mixed in Helsinki), but the Vision Divine have changed a bit: the riffs are heavier and they start to follow that thrash metal idea that greatly appeals to Thorsen for his solo album, the rhythmic and melodic lines are sharp and angry, and at times it seems that Luppi almost struggles to sing over them. Moreover, it seems that ideas are starting to run a little thin, evident mainly in the vocal lines and solos, which begin to show less of Thorsen's distinctive style, adhering instead to the genre's clichés in some sections.

Ultimately, the album isn't bad, but I hoped that our Italian favorites would show more ideas along with their grit, as they certainly do not lack talent and technique. In my opinion, it's a power album that won't leave as much of a mark as its two predecessors.