Dutch death metal extremists Devious aren't exactly newcomers to the extreme metal scene, but at the same time they haven't exactly been setting it on fire either since their inception in the late 90's. Vision is their third full length release, the second for Deity Down Records, and the first to feature vocalist Arnold Oude Middendorp.
The music on Vision is pretty much your typical, straight ahead melodic death metal, yet with slight traces of synthesizers to give it a sort of cold, futuristic feel to it. Driven by the savage twin axe work of Wouter Huitema and Guido de Jongh the eight songs laid down here come across as being quite cohesive as whole, even if they are a tad on the 'same sounding' side. Tracks like "False Identity", "Impulse Overload" and "Validate" feature heaping doses of furious, blast beats, Middendorp's menacing, guttural vocals and scorching, melodic riffs laced with subtle electronic elements.
Vision doesn't come across as a throwback to old school death metal; it's more in keeping with the modern sounding, extreme metal of the present and beyond. The production is top notch and every one of the musicians all appear to be quite skilled at what they do. However, the band's reluctance to change things up and inject a bit more variety into the overall arrangements was something that marred my listening experience somewhat. The music on Vision isn't bad, far from it, but at the end of the day I can't honestly say I was walking around with these songs or riffs ingrained in my mind long after the music was over. I just never had the feeling that the music was making an impact or that it would end up leaving a lasting impression, which ended up being more frustrating than anything else, because I was waiting for something to really stand out, but unfortunately it just never happened.
Track Listing
1) Heritage Of the Reckless
2) False Identity
3) Respiration Of Fear
4) Abide
5) Impulse Overload
6) Predefined
7) Validate
8) Disconnect
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