'NVIII' proves to be a solid release from Nightmare Visions
Finding a good UK based metal band until recently was a rare thing, besides the realms of identical power and heavy metal bands our country has had a poor showing in the darker sides of metal besides a few notable acts such as Paradise Lost or My Dying Bride. What Nightmare Visions' latest release 'NVIII' proves is that there is luckily still life in this side of metal.
Musically speaking, 'NVIII' is an interesting smorgasbord of different components making for an engaging listen. Traditional heavy metal riffs are mixed with quieter ambient sections such as on the intro to the track 'Moments of Vision', as enjoyable as these quiet sections are there truly are not enough to satisfy on this album and even if it brought about accusations of Opeth or Amorphis plagiarism (More of a compliment than an insult, really!) it would be worth it due to the clear talent in this area that Nightmare Visions display. Vocalist Andy Barnard has a fine set of death metal lungs (Which leads one to wonder if there is such a thing as a death metal liver..) perfect for the sort of growling this band needs over its music, although not as strong or as effecting as some other renowned death metal vocalists, it is still a fine example of vocals being done well.
This album isn't consistent all the way through however, some songs can grow monotonous by the end of their playing time and all the songs conform to a very similar structure and style, which leaves one wanting for a variety. For every inspired guitar part or Opeth-inspired soundscape there is an identical drum part or unimaginative vocal section to trip you up which is a shame as Nightmare Visions are a clearly talented band. The only other musical complaint that can be made against the band that is strongly evident in this release is the lack of more proficient drumming, at times and particularly so on the 8-minute closer "Rainbow's End" it just doesn't have that meaty, heavy feeling you would expect from a Metal band.
Overall this is a thoroughly enjoyably release by Nightmare Visions, although it is disappointingly short at only 30 minutes and sometimes you are left with a feeling that the band have not been as ambitious as their talents could allow them to be. 'NVIII' is a release worth checking out for anyone who is interested in seeing that the UK can still produce fine, upstanding metal in the face of competition from America and mainland Europe.