Last Vision Black: Last Vision Black (Divebomb)

New York-based progressive metal band Last Vision Black isn’t exactly a household name. Even among serious prog metal fans, this band is largely unknown, which isn’t exactly surprising. They released a 3-song demo cassette in 1994 and went their separate ways soon after. With another NY-based progressive metal band achieving their dreams in theaters across the world, 1994 should have been a good year for a band like Last Vision Black to break out, but it was not to be.

Last Vision Black’s demo release has a strong early Fates Warning and Queensrÿche influence, with an impressive level of technicality balanced by thrashlike riffs and memorable melodies. Vocalist Scott Oliva (previously with Inner Strength) has an impressive range and can really hit the highs. These songs have more than a little in common with the early Majesty demos, and there are similarities to Hittman and Mercury Rising as well.

It’s a shame Last Vision Black didn’t stick around, because the ’90s ended up being a better time for progressive metal than most people would have guessed. It’s also a shame the band only left us with three songs, because what we do have is definitely enough to make you want a proper full-length album. This is a very strong demo release from a band with a world of potential, and one that serious fans of classic progressive metal – think Fates Warning, Queensrÿche and early Dream Theater – as well as bands that were on the periphery of prog metal (Hittman, Heir Apparent and the like) should really check out, especially now that we don’t need a tape deck to do so.

Reissue Notes: The Divebomb label unearthed this prog metal gem recently, and although it’s a short release – just three songs totalling less than 16 minutes – they saw the value in getting Last Vision Black on CD. They didn’t cut corners either. This EP features newly remastered audio, restored cover art and a proper booklet. Most importantly it introduces an overlooked band those of us who missed Last Vision Black the first time around.