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VISIONS
Point Of No Return EP

Headbangers Zone (2022)
Rating: 7/10

One look at the cover artwork and I was always going to be interested in this Colombian heavy metal band.

Rancor is a band that has previously released three singles since forming just a few years ago, and this five-piece should appeal to anyone that gets their kicks out of straight up heavy metal that’s riddled with nifty gallops, effective soloing, and steeped in melody. This six-track opus also has thrashier moments, particularly on opener ‘The Wolf’ which was the band’s third single, released last year.

Visions are not an overly heavy band, but they find a good balance between a mid-to-late 80s air to a modern day precision. Admittedly, it’s the sort of album that if it had emerged at the height of the heavy metal scene in the 80s it may have been overlooked, especially as it would have struggled as an import. But I hope it doesn’t go under the radar today because there’s so much efficiency here, some cool grooves too particularly with ‘Slave Of Faith’ which has San Francisco Bay Area twinges.

Although there’s not an abundance of complexity there are some nice experimental passages bolstered by the versatile vocal stylings of Diego Rodriguez, who can provide low-end croons and high pitched wails.

I think some may slot this into the thrash category, but it’s far from it due to its manner. The fizzing ‘The Alienation’ is a straight up ballsy rocker, and ‘Feel The Power’ chugs with menace, reminding me of some mid-80s German obscurity such is its gloominess.

The EP also boasts the band’s first two singles as bonus tunes. ‘Troubles In Paradise’ again features some sizzling axe work. Guitarists Albeiro DaSilva and Wil Salamanca do an excellent job, as do bassist Juan Campos and skin basher Luis Gonzalez. For me ‘Troubles In Paradise’ is the band’s best tune, a dark, brooding rocker, sort of having a Metal Church vibe where it shifts towards a thrashy edge but never quite flirts with it.

‘Visions’ is a catchy number which showcases some fiery axe and percussion work, but unravelling as a trad’ metal stomper with Gothic undertones. That’s what I like about this EP – it has a sort of doomy feel without being doom metal. And as that chorus beams “Visions, visions” I’m enjoying wading in the depths of this clammy pit of Colombian metal.

Neil Arnold

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