This is a weird one. The Vision Bleak is an act consisting of two guys from Germany. Remember Empyrium and Nox Mortis? The Vision Bleaks two members, Allen B. Konstanz and Ulf Theodor Schwadorf hail from those bands and what we have here is a goth, horror, thrash metal band. Seem strange? It sounds strange.

These guys are not bad per say, but the mix of Rammstein low-end vocals, Metallica thrash riffs, and orchestrated key’s just doesn’t seem right. Think of Sisters of Mercy/Fields of Nephilim mixed with James Hetfield on guitar. Just not working for me. Now and again I notice my head bobbing to a few tunes, but the vocals just throw me way off the path on this record, and I’m sure if I went into their back catalogue I’d have the same affect.

Now, The Vision Bleak gets a lot of good press and they are probably one of the most popular bands on The Prophecy label, but I am far from liking this record. The music produced without the vocals is awesome. It’s thrashtastic actually. Some bands that come to mind are Lamb of God, Slayer, and Danzig. Yeah that’s right. Good shit. But when Mr. Schwadorf starts his gothic chanting I can’t stand it. But hey, that’s just me. I never like Typo Negative either.

The horror aspect comes in lyrics and show. Live pictures show these two dressed like Dracula with white face paint and black eyeliner riding in a horse and buggy. Songs consist of themes ranging from H.P. Lovecraft to Edgar Allen Poe, and John Carpenter. I like my horror movies, but not like that.

If you are into Rammstein, this is your new favorite record. It fails to keep my attention but that’s not to say you won’t enjoy it. I need something with a little for punch. Check into The Vision Bleak and judge for yourself.

[Visit the band's website]

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