The Vision Bleak is a German gothic metal band consisting of two members: Ulf Theodor Schwadorf (also of Empyrium) on guitars, bass and the occasional shrieks; and Allen B. Konstanz on vocals and drums. The band enlists several guests when they play live gigs, but on studio releases it is always this duo that handles everything. However, they also incorporate some female vocals doing operatic vocals, and are unafraid to use a full orchestra (The Shadow Philarmonie) with lots of classical instruments and orchestral timbres in order to widen the scope of their compositions.
Contrary to most other gothic bands, The Vision Bleak knows how to rock. They use lots of crunch-filled guitar riffs, a heavy bass bottom, pounding drums to lay the foundation of Konstanz' deep and convincing clean vocals. Every once in a while Schwadorf will throw in some extra vocals to provide contrast and add more aggression. The duo's songs are highly inspired by horror stories and movies, and there are moments you'll agree that would make for great film score. Beginning with the lengthy opening intro "The Drama of the Wicked", a track full of female vocals, symphonic and gothic elements, and slowly-building trumpets, the album embarks on a dark horror movie soundtrack with pieces like the dark "Secrecies in Darkness" and the rocking title track. The former piece consists of neat strings, slightly power metal-ish clean vocals (and some female harmonies too), and fluid guitar leads. "Carpathia", on the other hand, is heavier but equally ambitious in that it contains plenty of non-metal elements, such as violin and church bells atop the piano and guitar-driven sections. "Dreams in the Witchhouse" is arguably their slowest and most atmospheric song on this album. It is highlighted by a smooth piano melody, both clean and harsh vocals, and great dynamics. As the album proceeds, traces of exotic soundscapes can be detected on the appropriately titled "The Curse of Arabia" while "Kutulu!" stands out for its almost tribal drum work and multi-part vocal harmonies that are deliberately raw and primal compared to the gentle, angelic female vocals.
This is gothic metal with balls. Unlike many other bands who are all about generic keyboard-generated symphonic sounds and occasional growled vocals, The Vision Bleak is full of interesting songwriting ideas which they present with utmost sincerity. Unfortunatley I'm unable to compare Carpathia (which is dedicated to H.P. Lovecraft by the way) to the band's debut release The Deathship Has A New Captain as I haven't heard it yet. But if this album is an indication as to what it sounds like, it must be well worth checking out.
Track Listing
- The Drama of the Wicked
- Secrecies in Darkness
- Carpathia
- Dreams in the Witchhouse
- Sister Najade (The Tarn By The Firs)
- The Curse of Arabia
- Kutulu! 04:41
- The Charm Is Done
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