1. The Kiss of Judas- 9.5(fantastic)- an amazing opener with outstanding guitar solos and a catchy chorus as well.
2. Black Diamond- 10(stellar)- probably their biggest hit; the guitar and keyboard work together perfectly to create an extraordinary neoclassical sound, while the vocal delivery and the chorus are mind-blowing.
3. Forever Free- 9(great)- a speedy, more typical power metal track that kees the energy at high levels.
4. Before the Winter- 8.5(very good)- the first ballad, a moody and atmospheric tune with a great chorus as well.
5. Legions- 9(great)- another upbeat, fast power metal tune destined to keep the spirits high.
6. The Abyss of Your Eyes- 8(solid)- a slower, but nevertheless heavy tune, bringing more diversity to the record.
7. Holy Light- 8(solid)- an instrumental track allowing the musicians to show off their remarkable abilities.
8. Paradise- 10(stellar)- another dynamic tune with great lyrics and an insanely catchy chorus that will stick to your mind for quite a while after hearing the song.
9. Coming Home- 9(great)- the second ballad, a beautiful song which adds more atmosphere and melancholy to an album already filled with emotion.
10. Visions(Southern Cross)- 10(stellar)- an epic track with multiple facets, taking the listener on a 10-minute ride full of variety: from typical, fast power metal sections and another fabulous chorus to slower and more progressive parts, this song has all the ingredients to keep you engaged until the end.
ALBUM RATING: 9.10
TOP 3 SONGS:
1. Black Diamond
2. Visions(Southern Cross)
3. Paradise
Final Thoughts
An epic, sometimes melancholic, but also empowering and upbeat record, Visions deserves to be ranked high in a chart of the greatest power metal albums of all time. It is part of a streak of albums, from 1996 to 2000, which showed Stratovarius at the peak of their creativity, so I will definitely explore their other works from that golden age as well.
