progshine AnVision is a Polish band formed in 2007 in the city of Tarnów. This is actually the band’s first full length album. Before they had released an EP called Eyes Wide Shut (2010).

Astral Phase (2012) is self-produced and it was recorded at the Raven Studio between November 2011 and March 2012 and finally released in August 31st 2012 by the Empire 18 label. The album was mixed and mastered by Marcin Szwajcer and the interesting artwork showing hands growing from the ground belongs to Piotr Szafraniec.

AnVision is formed by Marqus (vocals), Greg (guitars), Art (bass), Larz (drums) and Lukas (synthesizers). They also had the helping hand of Sylwek Malinowski on the percussions. AnVision follows pretty much the Prog Metal path, but with a twist. Their songs are a little bit more melodic than the average Prog Metal.

According to the band, Astral Phase (2012) is a musical journey of an Astronaut. This man travels in time and space, also between life and death and ends up reaching out to our feelings, deep thoughts, hidden dreams and memories. A deep concept. To make things clear and begin with the concept ‘The Astronaut’ was chosen to open the album, and again, not as heavy as we would expect of a Prog Metal band. Marek’s vocals are a bit weird in the beginning, but at the time of ‘S.O.D.’, the second track, you’re used to his singing.

‘Family Ties’ continues in the melodic field but ‘Mental Suicide’ gives Astral Phase (2012) a twist, heavy on the Grzegorz’s guitars and on the Marcin’s drums rhythm pattern. One of the most interesting tracks on the album. It’s interesting to notice the Lukas’ keyboards, kinda shy, in the background, but very important to the band’s sound.

‘Mercitron’ is a continuation of the previous track and besides the melodic beginning it is another track when it comes to the heavy side. The middle of the song has a deep special guitar solo tough. ‘I Can’t Live Without My Love’ is an acoustic ballad packed with acoustic guitars and a melodic guitar solo. The track is too long and it is also the weakest on the album.

The band cleverly chose ‘I Have No Fear’ to close Astral Phase (2012), cause it is one of the strongest tracks on the album with a good introduction and smart ideas. It is also the longest of the album tracks with nearly 9 minutes.

AnVision’s Astral Phase (2012) is not a groundbreaking record, but it is well produced, well recorded, well written and well played by good musicians. On top of that, the band was wise enough to record an album with 50 minutes instead of filling the 80 minutes available, smart.

If you’re up to the melodic side of the Progressive Metal, AnVision is your band!

Originally reviewed at: www.progshine.net