DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION:
Information regarding criminally obscure progressive metal outfit LAST VISION BLACK is scarce, to say the least. The quartet formed around 1993 in Holtsville, NY on Long Island with the lineup of vocalist Scott Oliva (formerly of groups such as Deranged, Inner Strength, etc.), Jim Volpe on guitar, bassist Lou Parasimo, and Jules Loscalzo handling drums. The band would release but one self-titled three-song demo in 1994, engineered by Oliva's former Inner Strength bandmate Joe Marselle, who also performed some guest solos on the sessions.
Coming up at a time when an increasing number of hardcore and death metal acts were gaining recognition in the area, LAST VISION BLACK, however, could—and should—have been considered a suitable contemporary of future Long Island Music Hall of Fame inductees Dream Theater. Their all-too-succinct demo has garnered a bit of an über-cult following over the years with its powerfully melodic, prog-tinted yet thrash-rooted brand of high-quality metal—fitting for fans of Hittman, Queensrÿche, or Iced Earth alike.
True, a CDEP re-release of a 23-year-old three-song cassette may seem a bit of a risk in this dismal age dominated by mere clicks and streams, but after several failed attempts at launching their Masters of Metal: Classics compilation series—and knowing undeniably worthy material when they hear it—Divebomb Records is willing to explore new territory in order to grant LAST VISION BLACK's outstanding music a new chance to be heard. Fully remastered from the band-supplied DAT tape by Jamie King at The Basement Recording, this is yet another true labor of love reissue: for the fans, by the fans!
COMRADES IN ARMS:
Hittman, Manta Ray, Lord Bane, Apollo Ra, Mystic Force and Enforce
ARSENAL:
Limited edition CDEP – only 500 units pressed worldwide –– digitally remastered – full lyrics
supported by 5 fans who also own “Last Vision Black”
A true monument of heavy metal, a flawless masterpiece! This is how Fates Warning made perfectly clear to every metalhead that they are the undisputed pioneers of progressive metal! BoneWalker
supported by 4 fans who also own “Last Vision Black”
As soon as Nylon Nights hit, those hooks were right in me and it was one blockbuster after another. Sonja create a supremely evocative atmosphere for the children of the night, of flashing colors and shadows, movement in the alleys, wild deeds afoot. The goth and traditional metal influences are just cooked to perfection and blend seamlessly with each other. The energy is just totally propulsive, throwing you forward, fist pumping, into the neon night. pinkytheent
supported by 4 fans who also own “Last Vision Black”
I'm not normally the biggest fan of Power Metal, but for some reason I will always enjoy Visigoth. Final Spell is a great EP that can always get your blood pumping in a fun way. The vocals are easily my favorite part. Definitely an album that every Power Metal fan should listen to. Wound of Briccius