Visions from the Spiral Generator

When I picked up Visions..., I have to admit I wasn't expecting much. True, Vintersorg is a great singer, and with Steve DiGiorgio added to the lineup it would make for an interesting experience at least. But something just didn't seem to click upon first listen. I don't know why, but I'll spare you the details and get on with the review. I gave it another listen, and boy, am I glad I did.

Vintersorg do not sound like many other bands. If I had to categorize them, I would say they are progressive viking metal with black-ish tendencies. Confusing, perhaps, but you'll see what I mean when you listen to this. The riffs are definitely "space-y", and the lyrics have mainly to do with astronomy and such. The bass is very stylish and pounding when the music reaches its climax, and when it isn't, it's very subtle yet it accents the keyboards and guitars perfectly. Vintersorg is a wonderful singer, and his voice is very impressive and soaring, but he also makes use of his black vocals, which in my opinion aren't the best, but they are the only black vocals that could fit well with this album, and they sound great here.

Highlights: Vem Styr Symmertrin?, A Metaphysical Drama, Universums Dunkla Alfabet and ESP Mirage (Visions From The Spiral Generator) alone make the album well worth getting. However, each song is amazing and you will never tire of them, believe me. For an added experience, try listening to this while playing Final Fantasy VII or the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

This is some great shit. I would highly recommend buying this, especially if you like Borknagar. But, that's probably why you bought it anyway. Well, even if you don't like Borknagar and simply want a new and unique musical approach, Visions From The Spiral Generator definitely deserves to be a part of your musical collection.