Metal Army America by MetalGeorge Rating : A

Simultaneously soulful and musical,Visions hinges upon the delicate interplay between the up-front, clear vocals of Ross Jennings-which almost sound like Joey Belladonna at times, believe it or not-and the inventive guitar team of Charles Griffiths and Richard Henshall. Both axemen known exactly when to bring the heavy and when to criss-cross melodies and stringed atmospherics, while keyboardist Diego Tejeida offers up the perfect symphonic accompaniment, never overpowering the band’s metal aspects one bit.

Belladonna comparisons aside, Jennings’ vocals soar with class and emotional power, offsetting the complex Griffiths/Henshall riffage with capable efficiency, reminding at other times the crooning of Cedric Bixler-Zavala of neo-prog titans The Mars Volta. Meanwhile, the actual song structures are varied and never one dimensional, even delving into a surprisingly cinematic tone, such as on the epic “Nocturnal Conspiracy.”

Haken are full of surprises here on Visions, and have truly made an impressive statement of intent; one which should serve the band well as they make their North American live debut with an appearance at this year’s ProgPower Festival. After this, it’s only a matter of time before the band begin being whispered about and praised for their maniacal metal madness. Visions proves once again that ‘prog’ is NOT a dirty word.