BLACK FATE – Between Vision & Lies (2014)

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“Between Vision & Lies” is the fourth album for this courageous band from Larissa, Greece, which name BLACK FATE could be perceived as premonitory, as this quartet is still struggling with fortune showing an immense dedication since 1990.
After several personnel and label changes – only one founding member still active in the person of experienced drummer Nikos Tsintjilonis – seems Black Fate finally will broke into the Prog Metal world as “Between Vision & Lies” is a truly impressive piece of work.

The new Progressive sonic identity of Black Fate was reinforced by Vasilis Liakos on bass (borrowed from the great Progsters Innosense), but the real makeover for the band is the recruitment of young virtuoso Gus Drax of Biomechanical fame who brings a new energetic force, updating Black Fate’s style courtesy of his seven stringed axe.
“Between Vision & Lies” has a very melodic edge, with songs clinically orchestrate
Gus Drax is a really amazing player rich in complex arpeggios but also with a great sense of melody, complemented by the powerful pipes of vocalist Vasilis Georgiou who a places reminds me Michele Luppi (Secret Sphere, Los Angeles), that say, he has a very ‘hard rock’ way of singing.

While not necessarily novel or to say that it’s unique, Black Fate’s sound is definitely something of interest and for explanation. It’s a hybrid of various metal genres.
The foundation is a division between traditional prog metal and classic melodic metal, probably larger on the latter. There’s also some slight symphonic nuances. Perhaps, the most intriguing element is the inclusion of a solid rock groove in many songs, stealing something from traditional hard rock.
Then, these elements are blended in such a way that may suggest progressive metal. You certainly will find this current in many songs including “The Game of Illusion”, “Weight of the World”, or “State of Conformity”.
But that last song, along with the following “Without Saying a Word”, share some of that aforementioned melodic hard rock accessibility, while still being metal. I would say that “Without Saying a Word”, an anthem, is the most soaring song here, even stirring the emotions. It’s definitely a fine platform for Vasilis Georgiou’s strong vocals.

Between the skilled musicianship and versatile arrangements, Black Fate’s “Between Vision & Lies” offers some intriguing music blending prog, melodic metal and hard rock plenty of creativity and nuances.
The overall production is superb as well, helped by a very solid mix where you can pick out each instrument but they sound like a cohesive machine.
Strongly Recommended.

01 – Rhyme Of A False Orchestra
02 – Lines In The Sand
03 – The Game Of Illusion
04 – Into The Night
05 – In Your Eyes
06 – Call Of The Wild
07 – State Of Conformity
08 – Without Saying A Word
09 – Perfect Crime
10 – Weight Of The World
11 – In Fear

Vasilis Georgiou – Vocals
Gus Drax – Guitars
Vasilis Liakos – Bass
Nikos Tsintzilonis – Drums

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