Vision Divine – A Clockwork Reverie

Vision Divine
A Clockwork Reverie
Label: Scarlet Records
Out: 22^nd May 2026
Playing time: 35:00

Lead singer Michele Luppi (2003–2008) and keyboard virtuoso Oleg Smirnoff (2002–2006) are back with the Italian Power Metal band Vision Divine. The press release proclaims that the band “returns to the legendary sound with the new EP that made the band a reference point in the Progressive and Power Metal scene”. Originally, Vision Divine was guitarist Olaf Thorsen’s solo project (1998). Singer Fabio Lione (formerly of Rhapsody of Fire, Angra, Athena XIX, among others) joined later. Both had previously been active under the name Symmetry (1997–1998). The self-titled debut album was released in 1999.  Six further albums followed in quick succession up to 2012. After that, the musicians took a little more time over their productions. Following ‘When All the Heroes Are Dead’ (2019) and ‘Blood and Angels’ Tears’ (2024), the EP ‘A Clockwork Reverie’ is due out in May, featuring three new songs as well as three re-recordings of earlier tracks from 2004 to 2007.

In my view, ‘Sator Rotas’ is a completely unnecessary intro. Spoken words and organ sounds. The EP could actually have started straight away with the initially anthemic title track ‘A Clockwork Reverie’. But shortly afterwards, the Italians pick up the pace, driven at times by the double bass. Fortunately, it’s not the mindless Speed Metal you often hear coming out of this southern European country. A powerful bass line is underpinned by keyboards. A distinct progressive influence is clearly audible. The highlight is then a guitar solo. With “18 (It Feels Like Heaven)”, things become calmer and even more melodic. A magnificent Power Metal anthem. The third new song, “Andromeda”, begins with spoken words before the riffs roll out of the speakers with massive force. Then the synths come to the fore a little more. The shift into high-speed mode is abrupt. Then, as already mentioned, three newly recorded songs follow. First up is “Identities” (“Stream Of Consciousness”, 2004), which begins as a quiet piano ballad. It gains a bit more power later on, however. On “God Is Dead” (“The Perfect Machine”, 2005), the synths are ever-present. However, the drums and guitar dominate. Alongside the guitars, there are delicate solo interludes. “The 25th Hour” is the title track of the 2007 album of the same name. Michele Luppi lets out some high-pitched metal screams. Later on, the vocals are driven by the double bass. At times, the synths take centre stage, in my opinion a little too much so.

With ‘A Clockwork Reverie’, Vision Divine are making their mark on the Progressive Power Metal scene. The return of the two former members has really done the band a big favour. It looks like a full-length album is on the cards soon.

Vision Divine – 18 (It Feels Like Heaven): https://youtu.be/_OLLISSlFmk?si=-R_egHRoSswP1OZI

Lineup:

Michele Luppi – Vocals
Olaf Thorsen – Guitar
Oleg Smirnoff – Keyboards
Andrea “Tower” Torricini – Bass
Matt Peruzzi – Drums

Track list:

• Sator Rotas
• A Clockwork Reverie
• 18 (It Feels Like Heaven)
• Andromeda
• Identities (2026 Version)
• God Is Dead (2026 Version)
• The 25th Hour (2026 Version)