Review | Visionatica – Harrowing Insight

El Puerto Records

Only rarely a band manages to retain my attention in the process of writing and recording. Fragments of songs and vocal recordings don’t attract, and anticipation merely hails from the announcement of the actual release. But not for Visionatica. Enticed by singer Tamara Amedov I found myself stunned by her personality. There is something strong resonating from her appearance. With Tamara’s magnetic presence the band steps up to grip with their driving rhythms and orchestral arrangements, and the injection of oriental flavors atop the nesting hooks and melodies, find their way to the heart of fans of the genre.

The band‘s evolution is clear when tracing their discography. Their 2016 debut record `Force of Luna’ established their symphonic metal credentials, while 2019’s `Enigma Fire’ demonstrated growing sophistication in blending orchestral elements with heavy riffing. This third release finds them further perfecting this formula, with richer arrangements and more ambitious song writing. The addition of new instrumentation like violin adds to the listening experience.

CINEMATIC SONGS

The album opens strong with the driven ,,Wolfman”, immediately establishing Visionatica’s signature blend of cinematic orchestration and metallic power. Amedov’s vocals shine particularly bright on ,,Sympathy for the Devil”, where her crystal-clear delivery soars above jagged rhythms and operatic choirs. The chordal discharge is phenomenal, while ,,Scheherazade” stands out for its exotic Middle Eastern influences, weaving intricate string arrangements around serrated guitar work continuously falling into the front, enticing the listener. These oriental scales and themes are woven into the rich tapestry of the cinematic song and adds serious luster.

Visionatica takes notable risks on a handful of tracks. ,,Flashback” is crafted on the same blueprint but is kicked up by time changes and staccato musical interaction underneath the melodic hooks and choirs. The anger-laden ,,Super Masochistic so Sadistic Feministic”, reveals a new and blunt verbal lyrical approach and the ultra-heavy and sonic tech-hinged bombardment of ,,Psychopaths” sees the band’s creative scope widening, with the music aligning perfectly to the clinical distortion. With bass player Tim Zahn adding a growling and grunting counterpart, the track adds variety to the vocal premise of the song.

GUEST APPEARANCE

,,Paralyzed” incorporates modern electronic elements to surprising effect, while Psychopaths ventures into heavier territory with bassist Tim Zahn’s growling counterpoint to Amedov’s pristine vocals. The guest appearance by Xandria’s Ambre Vourvahis on ,,Fucking Seducer” adds welcome variety, though the album’s midpoint does occasionally fall back on familiar symphonic metal tropes.

The album’s production merits special praise, achieving an ideal balance between orchestral grandeur and metallic punch. Every element, from the sweeping string arrangements to the razor-sharp guitar tones, occupies its perfect place in the mix. It all blends perfectly without becoming too dense. The closing ballad ,,Inside” showcases this meticulous production approach, with its delicate piano and jazz-tinged percussion providing the perfect backdrop for Amedov’s most vulnerable vocal performance. It wells with emotion and pushes boundaries with its jazzy lush rhythm delivery.

VISIONATICA – THE CONCLUSION

Visionatica’s `Harrowing Insight’ is a fine record with ditto production. Everything is blend into a solid sonic piece build on musical marksmanship, and it will find its way to fans of the genre. The complexity of their arrangements is explored but the general construction at times becomes too recognizable and predictable. Midway and 2/3’s in, the band falls into repetitive constructive mode with cinematic elements build in, grounded in the hook and thematic melody. Nonetheless, when the band steps beyond they deliver, making this a step up to an anticipated follow up. `Harrowing Insight’ is as the perfect pitch to the future.

Release date: 18 april 2025