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Valley's Eve - Prodigia
Vanden Plas - Accult
Vanden Plas - Far Off Grace
Vanden Plas - Beyond Daylight
Vaseline Rats, The - e.p.
Vauxdvihl - To Dimention Logic
Vega (Patrick Vega) - Freefall Faith Firestorm
Vendetta - Heretic Nation
Veni Domine - Fall Babylon Fall
Venturia - The New Kingdom
Vernaccini, Riccard - At Last!
Vertu - s/t
Vicious - Vile, Vicious, Victorious
VII Gates - Fire, Walk With Me
VII Gates - In Hoc Signo Vinces
Viima - Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta
Viljanen, Elias - Leadstar
Viljanen, Elias - Taking The Lead
Virus - Sick of Lies
Vision - On The Edge
Vision - The Best of
Vivahead - We Love Infinity
Vox Tempus - In The Eye of Time
Voyager - Element V

Valley's Eve - Prodigia
B-Minds Records

Their album, Prodigia, features heavyweight powerful metal oriented sounds and hints of prog metal elements. The mood and heavy atmopsheres on each song sometimes tend to be similar. Some tunes are uptempo and driving with power attracting mid-power metal fans. However, I admit some parts are bit dragging, so Prodigia need to have varietion of changing tempos and development parts to amuse listeners. Valley's Eve singer does outstanding vocal performance, he is a really excellent singer no doubt about it. I would say that powerful metal fans will enjoy this type of band, such as Morgana Lefay. German Prog Metal and Powerful Metal scene usually produce promising bands, I would include Valley's Eve in this category. Hopefully, they will develop their own ideas and keep progressing well in the future.

Vanden Plas - AcCult
InsideOut

It might be a bit unusual to release sort of acoustic album after releasing debut album for Vanden Plas at that time. AcCult features their acoustic arranged versions of their original tunes from Colour Temple and some cover tunes including Marillion, Ray Charles, and Saigon Kick. Man, this is beautifully arranged and emotionally driving music with occasional electric sounds. Through this album, their keen melodic skills are proved as excellent. Really fine and nice music is packed in AcCult. AcCult is definately recommended album for all Vanden Plas fans. Very good one!

Vanden Plas - Far Off Grace
Inside Out
(1999)

Follow-up album of German Vanden Plas' masterpiece, The God Thing. Far Off Grace is quite heavier and bit rawer edge than their previous album. However, Vanden Plas continues to play magnificent and bombastic prog metal music with tons of great guitar/keyboard solos, and wonderful instrumentation. Far Off Grace features heavy odd-timing prog metal tunes and mellow ballad type tunes, and there is no filler. Again, Vanden Plas presented excellent works. If you are new to Vanden Plas, Far Off Grace and their previous work, The God Thing, are highly recommended. From beginning to the end, Far Off Grace is really well-composed and performed in intelligent and elegant progressive metal style. Totally excellent and fine gem.

Vanden Plas - Beyond Daylight
Inside Out
(2002)

German prog metal king's latest album, Beyond Daylight, is simply stunner and smoking. From my point of view, all their catalog has never ever disapointed with me so far. Recent Dream Theater's latest album did not hit me very hard to drool me on the floor as much as Pain Of Salvation's latest album and Vanden Plas's latest one. Anyway, go back to the review of this album. Beyond Daylight is kind of combination of both excellent "The God Thing" and intelligent "Far Off Grace" album's elements melodically and dramatically. Through his entire career, their music has been safely categorized under melodic and dramatic prog metal under some influences of US prog metal giants of Dream Theater. Yet, they continue making their own Vanden Plas brand dramatic heavy progressive metal sounds with styles of Euro Melodic Metal and hints of some neo-prog influenced by British and Euro bands. On the Internet discussion, some Vanden Plas fans do not get into this album as much as their previous works. Although I do not know why this one is not discussed as excellent works, VP's latest one is undoutedly packed with excellent musicianship, great catchy moments, complex, yet bombastic ensembles. On the other hand, there are also some soothing, and ballad-type nice and slow songs. Amazingly, they keep same consistent line-up for more than 10 years. Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Gunter Werno (keyboards), Torsten Reichert (bass), and Andreas Lill (drums) know how to make dramatic and epic progressive music. Including a classic Kansas cover tune of "Point of Know Return", all tunes are fabulously cooked and arranged perfectly. Guitars are chunkey, keyboards sounds pretty warm, bass lines are really interesting, drum playings are quite tasty and shot comfortably, and vocal melody lines are fantastically catchy. In particular, Andy Kuntz's vocal performance might be doing best in his career to my ears. Lead playings of Gunter Werno (keys) and Stephan Lill (guitars) are as energetic and intelligent as other albums. Neither fillers nor boring materials can be found. Totally impressive and gorgeous album for fans of prog metal listeners who are into dramatic and progressive sounds. Well, I might be kind of too flattering about this album. Honestly, I have nothing to complain about this one. Vanden Plas made new masterpiece after one another. For example, faster tune of "Nightwalker", energetic "End of All Days", hot-burning "Free The Fire", melodic tune of "Scarlet Flower Fields" are all quite nice to listen every time. Besides those tunes, "Cold Wind", "Can You Hear Me", "Phoenix", title track "Beyond Daylight" are all well-made. If you have never tried out Vanden Plas, I highly recommend The God Thing, Far Off Grace, Spirit of Live, Accult, Colour Temple....., and of course...., BEYOND DAYLIGHT!!!! :) Otherwise, go get all Vanden Plas albums (lol). Prog Metal fans wet dream, it is spelled...V A N D E N P L A S!!!!!!!!!!!
[Official Homepage: http://www.vandenplas.de/]
[Into The Web: http://www.faroffgrace.com/]
[The Morning Site: http://www.vandenplas.fr.fm/]
[International Fan Club: Vanden Plas, Postlach 1518, 66515, michael.dankert@addcom.de]
[Inside Out Music: Kolpingstrasse 9-11, 47533 Kleve, Germany]
[Inside Out Website: www.insideout.de]
[Inside Out eMail: info@insideout.de]

Vaseline Rats, The - e.p.
Independent Release
(2007)

Probably, The Vaseline Rats are a bit different group from what I usually pick up for reviews on this website. However, I really enjoyed listening to the entire music contents on their latest e.p., so why don't I add this on my review page? Oh, btw, please do not get confused with the name of this band. I think there is nothing to do with Nirvana's tune called something like The Vaselines Rat or something. They are remotely different from what Nirvana do, just mind you...hehe. Stylistically, The Vaseline Rats from U.K. are performing solid hard-driving rock music with some hints of grooves and funk rock elements. The musicianship of this U.K. group is really solid and skilled; that's no doubt about it. Melodic lines of vocal performance are quite melodic, and the ensemble itself sounds quite catchy and very friendly. Recently, their music has climbed up higher in the U.K. music net circle. Obviously, they've got their fanbase in London and some areas of U.K. to draw the audience in the live music scene. Esp., the bass player Pete MZ Emms is the amazing veteran hard rocker who has performed and worked with the established rock/metal groups, such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Tygers of Pan Tang, Trapeze, and Al Atkins to name just a few; Wow what an extraordinaly line-up. Other members also have really great skills to contibute each other, while performing and composing together. I used to feel it was getting quite difficult to find extraordinary U.K. metal/rock groups during 90's way before. However, there seems that internet and new fanbase in the U.K. nationwide could have something to do with help the excellent hard rock groups like The Vaseline Rats and other talented U.K. metal bands like To-Mera and Biochemical, so I'm quite happy to find gems from U.K. scene just recently. Anyway, I hope they would continue making energetic hard rock with nice groove beats like this e.p. This band is in the right track for making such a nice rock music. If you like energetic U.K. rock music with memorable melodies and hookliness, let's pay attention to their next move. Recommended for U.K. rock music!
[official website: http://www.thevaselinerats.com/]
[MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/petemzemms]

Vauxdvihl - To Dimention Logic
Advent
(1997)

Woa!! This one is very unique and highly original prog metal album from Australia. Now, I understand why some prog metal fans are into this band. Complex, dark, intricate, and energetic prog metal. I might say To Dimention Logic is masterpiece of prog metal. Fans of FATES WARNING, HEAVEN'S CRY, THE QUIET ROOM, and ZERO HOUR will love this.

Vega (Patrick Vega) - Freefall Faith Firestorm
Independent Release
(2007)

The internet cyber-space has been expanding and growing with non-stopping pace. About some years ago, it had not always been easy to locate quality guitar music and progressive kind of sounds, even though you did make a deep research with some amounts of hard work by yourself. If you are being familiar with downloading music and the heydays of MP3.com, it might not be any big problems or obstables to find good independent music. The radors of music fans sometimes could catch hidden gems, but sometimes they failed to find them. However, thanks to the existence of MySpace page that introduce hot newcomers and quality indies from any kind of genre. Nowadays, such websites help us to find superb independent music with relative ease, as long as you have internet connection with some tips about finding out good music. Moreover, contacting a musician is a good plus to get the item directly from him and exchange feedback and thoughts.

Okay, my nonsence-prologue is finished, so here I'd like to introduce the cd of 'Freefall Faith Firestorm' by Patrick Vega. Before checking out his music throughly, I thought his music could have been a kind of sleeazy LA style rock music like Junkyard and Shark Island. After having checking out his cd, my assumption was horribly wrong. Yeah, old proverb like "Don't judge by the cover" pops up in my mind, and it convinces me again, esp., the music of Vega deserves much attension to serious music listener who enjoy different kind of music as many as possible. Don't assume or jump conclusion before listening to his music. Just sit and relax to check his music. Speaking of Vega's 1st debut cd, I am quite impressed with his ability of guitar playing and songwriting. Purely, it's enjoyable in my opinion. I would not get surprised by the fact that, IF he was going to be picked up by some known guitar label like Lion Music for instance. Mostly done and performed instrumentally by Vega on his premiere debut album, but he carefully prepares various guitar-oriented music with nice music sensibility and good dynamics. His guitar performance is a definitely focal point to enjoy for the listener. His guitar tones are very tasty and warm with some contemporary touch. You could easily get into his incredible fingering works and intense performance. Very driving and rocking moment you find everywhere.

In some songs, Patrick Vega showcases funk, laid-back instruments, clean guitar sections besides technical demanding moments and heavier sections. Overall, he is able to go powerfully-driven hard rocking guitar instrumentals with very expressive performance from soft to heavier realms. Congrats for enthusiastic guitar-oriented works from Vega. If you are into song-oriented approach hard rock music with some interesting twists and dynamic instrumental works, Vega's music is quite enjoyable for your listening experience. Some diverse sections and song-writing approach reminds me a bit of Milan Polak from Austria who is workin in the west coast of United States. Freefall Faith Firestorm is a definitey a good start point for Patrick Vega to get known to guitar music fan. This new album shows his great talent and excellent guitar performance overall. Amazingly, there is no boring moments. I especially like the first half of the disc that features Vega's shining moments and versatile ability of his music. In the future, I wish he would perform in the style of group format. That would be fun, if it happened, but you never know anyway. :-) Nicely done!

Vendetta - Heretic Nation
Lion Music
(2009)

Heretic Nation is the second album of British heavy powerful metal group featuring technical guitar player Edward Box. Since modern and alternative metal groups are dominant on the scene of Great Britain, notable heavy metal press and critics have been concerned about the shortage of quality heavy metal groups. Those type of people have kept saying such laments for a long time; however I never considered traditional type of heavy metal genre in the U.K. has never been perished. British metal leaders like Iron Maiden and Saxon, for instance, continuously draw many metal fans and keep the flame of true spirit of metal. Although the U.K. region suffers from the quantities and high qualities of metal bands comparing to the other European countries in late 80's and entire 90s, turn of new millenium has changed such trends. During 00's, some quality metal bands including powerful metal and progressive genres pop up; the new generation of such groups have been recognized highly worldwide thanks to the information technology and new resurgents of true metal scene. Vendetta are one of promising British heavy metal groups that emerge on the scene. Their previous debut album has received great feedback and review verdicts in the quality HR/HM media.

Vendetta has made a really in-your-face type strong metal album. There are neither frills nor pompous elements from beginning to end. All musicians of this U.K. group are very honest to perform with sheer attacks and lava-like powerful energies. The pace of the music is mostly up-tempo; even mid-tempo type numbers are also very fascinating. Yet, they maintain melodic sensibilities and accessible approach. In addition, the twin guitar attacks, crunchy guitar riffs, and harmonies sound intriguing. The focal point of this group is brilliant song writing skills with melodic vocal lines and technical yet exotic guitar solos. What I like this group on this new album is very solid and starightforward rhythm section and strong bottom lines to support twin guitars and vocals. Even though they maintain the spirit of NWOBHM and 80's classic metal as core elements, they do not hesitate including the excellent production and sound engineering. In other words, Vendetta showcase high quality heavy metal instrumentation with update sound technology not to sacrifice the spirit of traditional metal. Of course, the instrumentation of this group is very tight and excellent in my opinion.

Stylistically, they do not go into mind-boggling complex metal nor progressive metal. The vibes and atmopsheres of their music satisfies most metal fans out there. Definitely, this group's music is hard to be categorized under the file of prog metal listerally. However, some mid-tempo and uptempo tracks with sophisticated vibes would entertain even prog metal fans who are into Sanvoisen, House of Shakira, and Psycho Drama (like me, hehe). Comparing to the predecessor, they seem to strip down L.A. metal influences, perhaps coming from Dokken and George Lynch. New album 'Heretic Nation' features more fascinating tracks in the line of energic and powerfully driven metal. Once again, Vendetta have done amazing jobs to satisfy British metal audience and traditional metal. Congratulations for another great accomplishment! I really enjoyed this album quite a lot. If you are into the bands like Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Sanvoisen, just go for it. Highly recommended for someone who is into both traditional and contemporary power metal featuring good songs and very solid instrumentatal works.

Veni Domine - Fall Babylon Fall

This band from Sweden combines the element of melodic powerful doomy metal with some hints of Queensryche-esque prog metal elements. Lyrically, it proves that they are devotee Christian Metal band. Although their emphasis seems to have been in common with other Christian Metal bands/musicinas like NARNIA, STRYPER, HOLY SOLDIER, and BLOODGOOD, Veni Domine sounds heavier than other fellow Christian Metal bands. Surprisingly, non-Christian metal followers seem to enjoy this band quite a bit. Mostly, the tempo on the entire music are kind of slow to midium. Occasionally, there are some uptempo and a bit speedier tunes for enjoyment of power metal listeners (mostly, their songs are not really speedy and up-temo kind music). In some parts, a mood itself sounds similar in the vein of doom metal. So it might bore you. However, this powerful metal band is doing well with some gothic and symphonic keyboard sounds. If you enjoy Tad Morose and Morgana Lefay, Veni Domine's Fall Babylon Fall attaract your taste. Highlight is the last 20 minute epic tune on this "Fall Babylon Fall".

Venturia - The New Kingdom
Lion Music
(2006)

It's good for prog metal listeners to see that there seems French prog metal scene has been providing a great newcomer like Venturia. Venturia has been recently discussed and praised among prog metal enthusiastics in this year, 2006. Indeed, this French young group knows how to pull off superb chops and great interplays between the members. Even though 'The New Kingdom' is their 1st full-length debut album, what they have achieved here is really great and phenomenal in my honest opinion. It's a definitely must-item for someone who is into bombastic and dramatic prog metal group's music. Stylistically, what they are playing here are similar to the music of Dream Theater, Vanden Plas, and Dali's Dilemma. Additionally, Venturia also injects more contemporary feeling and new approach like what Lacuna Coil and Arabesque do. Consisting of the skiled musicians and two lead vocalists (Marc Ferreira and Lydie Robin), they are doing really amazing things. What makes me happy about the group is that they make a really good balance between technical approach and melodic vocal lines. When they go over the top, they let their energetic instrumental performance all over the place. On the other hand, the two vocalists have much space to fill their passion and emotions into the songs. This first album contains eight memorable tracks including melo-dramatic epic ones and vocal-oriented catchy songs. Although there are lots of energetic and exciting prog metal moments, they also prove that they can write really good vocal tracks utilizing the hard-rocking male vocals of Mark with soothing and etherial vocal phrasings from Lydie. I really feel really happy to see that the French talented groups pop up and start invading prog metal scene in a good way. We tend to pay attention to the groups from United States or Scandinavian countries, yet here we see the rising of new wave of French prog metal (sort of...or am I exaggerating too much?). The highlights of this group would be a guest staring keyboardist Kevin Codfert from Adagio, and a new guitar hero from Venturia, Charly Sahona. It's always amazing to hear French keyboard player's performance. I notice that France has some prestigious music schools, so no wonder I always encounter fascinating and technical keyboard players. Due to such French tradition, Kevin shows nice keyboard solos, and also making interesting synth sounds. On the other hand, Charly Sahona has already proved his great guitar playing skills on Lion Music's Shawn Lane Tribute album previously. Moreover, the rhythm section of Venturia is also really good at shifting time-signatures and making intricate beats. Wow, what a great year to discover another great French talents! I wish them to do good job again. It's a really good treat for prog metal fans. Highly Recommended and one of best newcomers in prog metal scene.

[Venturia's website: http://www.venturiasite.com/]

Vernaccini, Riccardo - At First!
Independent Release
(2005)

Wow, this is a fantastic instrumental hard rock cd! Italian guitar player, Riccardo Vernaccini, showcases his brilliant fretboard works on the guitar, and shreds in complex style. Slightly, his approach and style might not be dissimilar to another Italian players like Alessandro Venvenuti and Simone Fiorletta (the guitarist of Moonlight Comedy). Okay, There are some rockier and straight-forward songs while performing intense and progressive instrumental works. Personally, of course I really enjoy listening to intricate stuffs and complex proggy instrumentals on the first half of the cd. It's amazing to hear he puts all ideas together: every instrument like guitar, bass, keyboards is performed by himself with drum programming. I do not mind drum machine programming when the mood and performance fit like shoes on the music, though. I hope he continues playing proggy instrumentals stylistically close to a bit of Liquid Tension Experiment, Wolfgang Zenk of 7for4, Neil Zaza, Scot Mishoe, and Legato Records' music. He is a totally versatile guitar player whose musical range is very diverse. I wish he would bring a new album with good sounds and real musicians next time, if possible. Although I am really impressed with his materials on this promo as solo artist, I wish he had formed a progressive band with his stronger materials. That's my dream about his new band project. Riccardo, please consider making a band effort in the future :). It would be a really thrilling if you get members together to deliver the goods. Having said that, he is one of promising instrumental guitar players, so pay attention to him in the future. Indeed, Italy is the country having lots of great talents and hidden treasures for prog and instrumental music scene.

Vertu - s/t
550 Music/Legacy
(1999)

Simply, I am really blown away by the Vertu's high musicianship and excellent ensembles. What can I say?...Vertu really appeals to the fans of jazz/fusion music like Return To Forever and the works of Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Karen Briggs is a really magnificent violin player who also has been playing for the band of Yanni. Rachel Z's piano/keyboard works are also impressive and great one as well. Her style reminds me of a bit of Chick Corea and Weather Report's Jow Zawinul (yeah, the way she performs keyboards is really nice). I never imagined Richie Kotzen would have been playing in the style of some sort of sophisticated hard fusion. It was a quite suprise to me, yet his guitar phrasings and tones are really killer, too on this cd. Well, some songs on this album are kind of R&B-ish and too-contemporary stuff for others. However, there are lots of exciting instrumental parts and hot-burning interplays (esp., violin and piano sections are my favorite parts with hot burning rhythm section). Vertu showcases really great instrumental ensembles and each player's prowess. Some people consider them as a kind of re-union of Return To Forever, since the rhythm section includes the veteran players like Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Really cool and smooth, yet some parts are technically profient on this Vertu album. Vertu would be attracting people who enjoy both playing musical instruments and listening to technical instrumental works. I believe the fans of Planet X and Liquid Tension Experiment would love this one.

Vicious - Vile, Vicious, Victorious
Sound Riot Records
(2004)

Before listening to Vicious cd, I thought Sound Riot Records was a melodic metal oriented record company. Actually, it is not true. Ambitiously, Sound Riot Records try to cover all kinds of melodic metal including traditional, power, melodic, and even the bands like Vicious. Surprisingly, Vicious from Sweden is playing melodic death and thrash metal with great guitar playing in the style of well-known Gothernberg melodic death. Lots of fluid and fast guitar solos that made me think of Arch Enemy are quite enjoyable. To be honest, I am not into death metal and melodic death metal very much. However, Vicious had done excellent jobs on both performance and production sides. What they have accomplised on this album is quite solid and agressive thrash attitude blending with in-your-face death metal. This album's sound production has been really nicly done, so it is not difficult to get into the music closely. So far, I enjoyed listening to this album from a non-death metal/melodic death metal listener's point of view. Vile, Vicious, Victorius album contains intense and energetic 9 tracks. Esp., I am impressed with powerful drumming by Fredrik Eriksson and melodic guitar performance by Simon Jarrolf and Pontus Pettersson. On the other hand, I am afraid I admit that a few tunes are slightly identical to other tracks, even though I need to pay attension more. I like their punchy and intense approach through the music. Definately, the fans of Arch Enemy, In Flames, and quality Scandinavian melodic death/thrash metal bands might enjoy this one deeply.
[website: http://www.viciousonline.tk/]

VII Gates - Fire, Walk With Me
Sound Riot Records
(2003)

Perhaps, I like this band best from Sound Riot Records so far. VII Gates from Sweden plays melodic heavy metal. As you know Swedish Metal and Hard Rock bands mostly are offering really quality and unique stuffs, so I really expect what comes out from their first album. In the beginning, first three tracks gave me impressions of tight power metal. I am afraid I am not very interested in those tracks very much. Nevertheless, the second half of the cd contains really strong melodies and tight performance with some unique changes and ideas into the songs. From my first expression, I thought they sticked to traditional power metal, but they make their music more interesting with additions of various elements and changes. The additions of keyboards make this album more accessible melodic metal, yet there are heavy and faster tunes. More or less, I prefer middle tempo tunes. Overall, the sound production of Fire, Walk With Me album is very good, and VII Gate's musicians have performed really well. Surprisingly, Fire, Walk With Me includes fabulous guest musicians including Kee Marcello of EUROPE and Chris Amott of ARCH ENEMY. This is good for the fans of epic metal and powerful heavy metal.
[website: http://www.sevengates.se/]

VII Gates - In Hoc Signo Vinces
Lion Music
(2008)

Swedish power metal band returned with their second album. It's unfortunate to hear that their previous label Sound Riot Records seemed to be struggling in their music business (what a severe world out there, sadly...) Eventually, VII Gates had to find their new home. It took almost five years, but finally they got a new home to signed with Lion Music. Just like their debut album, they stay in the realm of traditional power metal. This time, new elements have been added on this new cd to make trad metal much interesting; they put some orchestrated strings and keyboard sounds in the background. I could say that their power metal sounds a bit similar to Australian metal group Pegazus. What I'm surprised was that they boldly put keyboard sounds and synth lead much forward in the mix on some songs. Although they sometimes sound comtemporary melodic power metal bands in recent trends like Serenity and Xystus, they basically stay performing very traditional power metal that 80's European metal fans used to hear in the undergound scene. You know that some bands that I've mentioned above have somewhat progressive elements, but the style of VII Gates is very straightforward and so called 'in-your-face' type powerful metal. Well, if you are into metal bands with some ProgPower elements and intricacies, then you'd be a little bit perplexed. However, the fans who are into old days' Scandinavian power metal like Madison (remember?) and very straight with quite accessible metal could find some enjoyment. I hate to say something like this, honestly I'm mostly burnt out about traditional power metal sounds nowadays, unless they add some progressive sections and intricacies. Nevertheless, VII Gates worked very hard to make the whole metal sound interesting, even though they stay in the comfortable traditional metal zone. What they do perform very tight and solid entirely with nice mix and sound production, and throwing quite good keyboard sections and solos are big plus (that I enjoyed mostly).

Viima - Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta
Viima Records
(2006)

If you look for specific vintage prog sounds or peculiar symphonic rock groups, Europe is the great place to start finding out both gems and obscrurities. Many die-hard prog fans all around the world deligently keep earching unique ones or the bands creating vintage prog moods and nice instrumentations. If you are one of such people, I recommend that you need to check out the band from Finland called Viima. You have noticed the groups and artists from Finland have been doing really good job in the rock scene itself. When you look back in late 60's and 70's, the rock history itself saw the prog giants like Wigwam and others had impacted prog scene so deeply. Okay, go back to the story about Viima. If my memory serves correctly, 'Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta' is their first debut album. Before playing this album in my cd player, I had no idea what I could expect. However, it turned out Viima's music is a pleasant and magnificent symphonic prog rock. I usually write reviews of English-based music a lot, but all music of theirs sung in their mother language, Finnish. To my ears, it's really exotic and fascinating to hear the combination of foreign language and symphonic prog sounds. In my opinion, the music of Viima has overall some stylistic similarities to Renaissance, Curved Air, and Camel. There are lots of nice female-fronted vocal works, and great keyboard solos. The instrumentation by Viima is constructed and arranged really well. You also hear Jethro Tull-ish flute works and occasionally sax solo as well. Very dreamy and folky flavors are dominant in the entire music of Viima. This Finnish group is also very good at pulling off vintage and symphonic atmospheres. They may have a big chance to appeal to the very picky prog die-hards who do not usually prefer digital recorded sounds. In other words, Viima knows how to create the prog and symphonic aura with vintage instrumental sounds and analogue warm touch. I would add the fact that all members of Viima and guest musicians are very skilled musicians. Surprisingly, there are no boring moments at all. Even though 'Ajatuksia Maailman Laidalta' contains only six songs, there have lots of things going on. While listening to the album, you may find dramatic electric interplay without overdoing, uptempo parts with nice intensity, clean and soothing acoustic parts with beautiful female vocal prowess, and lots lots more. Yes, I have been impressed with this entire work and compositions. I never expected this good vintage flavored prog/sympho sounds. Vintage prog sounds and music are not my daily listhing habits, but I've really enjoyed this so much. I hope Viima continue making nice music. Recommended for prog fans who like nostalgic sounds and quality symphonic prog instrumentation.
[official website: http://www.viima.org/]

Viljanen, Elias - Leadstar
Lion Music
(2005)

Lion Music's new comer, Elias Viljanen's second solo album. If I am not mistaken, Elias Viljanen is a Finnish neo-classical guitar player. On his new album, Leadstar has several tastly neo-classical influenced melodic power metal with doses of prog metal energy. Even though this album is Elias Viljanen's solo works, I think the music of Elias sounds mostly like the band efforts. Thus, it has nice catchy melody themes with song-oriented approach. Stylistically, his music has similar to the artists like Torben Enevoldsen's solo works or Section A. Personally, I prefer the latter half of Leadstar to first half of the album, because most songs on the latter half have prog metal influences. I wish he would continue this style with leaning on complex prog metal rather than neo-classical HM vibes.

Viljanen, Elias - Taking The Lead
Lion Music
(2002/2011)

'Taking The Lead' is the very first solo album of Elias Viljanen originally released in 2002. Previously I reviewed a promising Finnish guitarist's second solo album featuring technical guitar works that I enjoyed. His solo albums have apparently received a great feedback from guitar community and metal circles. Nowadays, Elias has become a member of melodic power metal band Sonata Arctica - congratulations for grabbing a great opportunity in his career. Since he gets a great reputation in the metal scene, Lion Music decides to re-release Elias Viljanen's debut album as CD/DVD format. Like his second solo album, Taking The Lead presents his shred guitar technique with some catchy songwriting approach. It is a definitely all instrumental album, but he obviously put the big emphasis on his strong European melodic sensibility over mindless technicality. Harmonically and rhythmically, his approach is quite straightforward and very accessible for the listener who is not always into instrumental rock music. Even though most songs are very catchy and punchy enough, his first cd Taking The Lead features fantastic shred guitar solos with very nice guitar tones. The production on this cd sounds relatively pleasant and done smoothly I think. Some numbers on the cd remind you a bit of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Nevertheless, the songwriting approach of Elias Viljanen is very European-minded; for instance, the first half of the cd especially showcases that his brilliant melodic approach is not dissimilar to Scorpion's guitarist Mattias Jabs and Michael Schenker. Not only a good chance for Sonata Arctica fans to check out, but the debut cd of Elias Viljanen would appeal to the melodic guitar instrumental fans. It's a quite pleasant guitar orientated instrumental album without any hints of indulgence. Good album from beginning to end, actually.

Virus - Sick of Lies
Lion Music
(2005)

European modern rock band, Virus, is a bit different newcomer from other Lion Music catalogs. I think their music reminds me a bit of last year's modern heavy band Smeer. Stylistically, Virus is also a band influenced by modern heavy rock bands of 90's and 2K generation. But I think this band injects some fresh ideas into their music, so they successfully make their own sounds fresh and lively. To be honest with you, I think the first 6 tunes on the cd that are sound quite identical or very similar to my ears. I would say those songs have similar atmospheres and tempos, so I was almost got bored. Nevertheless, after 7th tunes, their music gets interesting and unique. There are some unique combinations between grundge/heavier grooves driven by guitars and modern synth keyboard sounds that I have been enjoying. Well, I think what they have achieved on the disc (esp., latter sections of the cd) is to appeal modern rock music listeners. I found out some enjoyments from this listening experience. It's quite good accents for my listening diet, while I am listening to my favorite proggy metal stuffs. Sometimes, I look for simplified and staright-forward rock music for my daily listening schedule. Virus gives a curve ball, if you judge them a grunge/alternative band.

Vision - On The Edge
Lion Music
(2004)

This one is Lars Eric Mattson's newest work so far in July 2004 (hi, Lasse). I think this is Vision's best album. It is quite catchy and reminding me of Rainbow, Deep Purple and slightly influenced by Winger. Very catchy and melodic. Recently, I do not listen to AOR/Melodic Rock stuff a lot, but this one gives me a nice fresh breeze. This album entertained me quite a lot. Since new release, a new singer John Jeff Touch replaced their previous member. I think he sounds quite different from a previous singer, but John suits very well. Moreover, he makes more music interesting in my opinion. As for guitar playing and songwriting of Lars Eric Mattson, his contribution and efforts shine much much better than his previous works on Vision I think. Overall, each song stands individually. Nice hookliness and harmonious chorus have been put on each track really well. Since Vision got started their career in 80s, Lars Eric Mattson and his fellows have gone through a lot of tough times and learning process. In the case of Lasse, he has been managing his own label Lion Music, his bands/projects, and helping other label bands/artists. On the Edge shows his finest moments on songwriting I think. So far, I like his compositions and performance on the albums of Mattson as best works along with Condition Red. I still have had a bit tough moments to get into Book of Reflections as one of exceptions, but On The Edge still shows his lots of promise and great musicianship. I hope he continues making shining music works like Vision's On The Edge album. Nicely done to my ears.

Vision - The Best of
Lion Music

Vision is Lars Eric Mattson's band efforts. Obviously, The Best of album contains his 17 memorable tracks in his career for Vision. Previously, my country metal media tend to have underrated Vision and Lars Eric Mattson's works. That makes me woner why they review in that way, however Lars Eric Mattson and his band, Vision has made pretty good melodic rock music. Having listened to this disc, I find several favorable tunes mixing American AOR reminding me of the days Boston was popular in the late 70s and early 80s and Scandinavian Hard Rock with his Finnish flavors. I assume that some melodic tunes might have influenced on Lars E. Mattson's current projects like CONDITION RED. Fairly, Vision focus on song-oriented straight forward approach, comparing to his other works. To me, Vision does not express many Neo-classical influences. Currently, Finnish bands/artists are doing well in the metal and rock scene, such as NIGHTWISH and STRATOVARIUS. Behind their success, the Finnish bands like VISION can not be ignored. There are 17 tracks, so some people might feel a bit dragged in the middle of the cd rotating.

Vivahead - We Love Infinity
A Pulper Music Production
(2002)

Let's see how can I start with this review in the beginning? Hmm, actually I have never tried out this minimalistic prog music before from U.K.. In some way, yes this is really progressive sounding music; nevertheless it's quite difficult music to understand deeply. Probably, the music of what Vivahead plays might appeal to the listner who is into chamber music or R.I.O. related prog music. Definitely, the album of "We Love Infinity" is not very catchy nor accessible for the first listen like me. It's quite minimalistic and New Age music throught the entire album. The first song sounds like an industvial machine in action while a old man murmuring or barely speaking of one phrase. Withoug any percussions nor drums, It repeats all the time in the first song with a slight synthetic programming and beats from sequencer or keyboards on the back. While listening to this song, I thought that my cd player would have been really screwed up. Actually, my cd player is nothing wrong with the internal system. Henceforce, you might guess what's gonna happen next later on this album. No singing, not forming any verse-chorus-verse type music overall. After having listening to this album entirely, the approach they take here reminds me of avant-garde/R.I.O. groups, e.g., Japanese group Ground Zero to name a few. Indeed, this is not the music for the fainted heart or pop music fans. In other words, I am sure that I am not a right person to fully appreciate and understand the music in detail. Just I am mentioning what I have heard, and what I felt from this music. Yeah, but once you get used to the songs on the second half of the cd. Then I found out some good things like chamber and dark movie soundtrack influenced instrumentation. Well, but overall, this is some kind of challenging music to get into with normal minds. One of most difficult music I've ever encountered in recent years. I really assume that the visitors of PILGRIM WORLD here might not encounter the music like Vivahead in normal life. Very mysterious and new age sounding progressive music for someone out there.

Vox Tempus - In The Eye of Time
Progman Records
(2004)

Vox Tempus has succeeded the spirits of Equinox from Minneapolis, U.S., and picks up what Equinox left. However, the recent members of Vox Tempus are completely different from former Equinox members. Ok, let me explain a bit about the background history how Equinox evolved into Vox Tempus. After Equinox released an acclaimed album, Color of The Time, the members of Equinox had completely changed. Only the exception was the original member, Eric Althaus (drums). Besides him, Ray Mantor (guitarist), Jim Turba (bass) had been core members for a while. Later on, Dan Reed (singer), and a keyboard player called Eric Rango joined the forces of Equinox. We thought that this line-up change would have turned to be a concrete line-up for the camp of Equinox, but eventually only remaining original member, Eric had left the band. After this event, they decided to change the name from Equinox to Vox Tempus at last. In this moment, we do not know the permanent drummer, however an excellent drummer Gregg Bissonette (having helped David Lee Roth band, T-Lavitz of The Dregs, etc.) helps them on the album.

Let's move on to the music about Vox Tempus more closly. Musically, they seem to keep the legacy of Equinox, yet evolving into the style of melodic prog metal. Stylistically, their complex ensemble and dramatic instrumental sections appeal to the fans of Dream Theater and Ice Age. At the same time, featuring memorable catchy melodies and hookliness with song-oriented approach is a big plus. To my ears, the first half of the album mostly concentrates on solid ensemble and impressive melodic sensibilities. On the middle and the second half the album, the band displays bombastic and intricate progressive metal instrumentals. The entire album appeals to me quite a lot, exp., the second half of the cd really grabs my heart intensely. Although the music of Equinox era was really great, a reborn-format called Vox Tempus has also own nice charms and musically wonderful talents. I think they put emphasis on making great musical compositions with nice melodies and warm atmospheres over heavy and agressive sounds. In addition, I think that Dan Reed's vocal melodies helps to the music of Vox Tempus more attractive.

If you are into the sounds like Ice Age, Divine Regale, and Enchant, Vox Tempus would appeal to you quite a lot. It is really great for fans of Equinox to hear theif return with Vox Tempus' new music, even though the members of Equinox have had difficult times to start over again. Since their album has been released, prog metal fans all over the world welcome the music of Vox Tempus. I also really enjoy the entire music of Vox Tempus with great melodic approach, and I wish the members of Vox Tempus all the best for their future releases.

Voyager - Element V
V Music
(2003)

Element V is an Australian-based melodic, keyboard driven powerful metal band's first album. This album was originally released from V Music, perhaps, independent release. They got signed with DVS Records in Netherland, so hopefully Element V will be released in 2004. Ok, let's investigate the music of Voyager. First track contains keyboard and guitar driven instrumental. Second track, "To The Morning Light" also features keyboards upfront with heavy guitar riffs. Daniel M. Estrin mostly sings in his comfortable vocal ranges, but he sometimes use the expression of shouts, minor shrieks, and gothic metal flavors. Somehow, his vocal performance reminds me of Japan's David Sylvian and a bit of Alexi Liho of Children of Bodom. Throughout this cd, I got noticed that this band focuses on keyboards/synth works as a core and then adding guitar heaviness and punchyness. Definately, you hear tons of keyboards in the enviroment of heavy ensemble arrangements. Thus, no wonder some people have compared them to Lanfear's "Zero Poem". Well, I agree with them. But at the same time, I feel that Voyager's music seems to be kind of far from typical prog metal. The vocal melody lines of Voyager ranges from atmospheric doom genre till bit of black metal style that you normally don't hear from prog metal singers. Voyager is rather better categorized under Sentenced-like music in my opinion, comparing to prog metal band like Lanfear. It is quite strange to say that I did not get excited anything at all on the first half of Element V. I admit the fifth track called "The Bitter Land" featuring vocal melody lines and straight-forward ensemble on the first half of the cd is my favorite track. The 6th track called "The Ancient Labyrinth" has speedy and orchestrated sections, but I could not get into it at all, unfortunately. Voyager plays the music of European flavored atmospheric/orchstrated metal with touch of gothic vocal performance including a bit of avand-garde elements. Although I tried so hard to absorb the music, unfortunately I could not enjoy this band's music at all. What they have created on Element V seem to have appealed to the fans of dark and complex heavy music featuring lots of synth/key works. Their trance-like arrangements and spacey sounds are interesting and somewhat tasty. I know that there are several prog metal listeners enjoying this quite a lot. In my case, it is kind of tough to enjoy this cd fully. It depends on what you would like to get their music. I am sorry to say, but the music on Element V by Voyager is not my cup of tea.