### Solid Vision: Sacrifice

#### 04/11/10 || Altmer

The reference for this band, as stated in the press sheet, was apparently Dream Theater. The band has opened for the legendary prog metal titans, some of these guys played for their ex-singer’s band and everything too. The Internet Google, MySpace, Wikipedia and friends tell me assumes that these guys are basically what can be called the Italian version of Dream Theater. The first real track (guess what, there is a useless intro) makes me think one thing: those press guys were not wrong.

This is indeed Dream Theater, mark II. The guitar riffs are from the John Petrucci Handbook of Prog Metal Virtuoso Guitarists. The keyboardist uses the same sounds as Jordan Rudess would. The solos sound, guess what, exactly like Dream Theater. The vocals, when they first came in, sounded almost like the constipated little brother of James LaBrie. Basically, there is nothing in here that doesn’t remind me of Dream Theater. The only thing is, the singer doesn’t do that excruciating thing where he just yells at the highest note he can hit with his voice. Thankfully. Also, occasionally his vocals are reminiscent of the gruff type of singing Daniel Gildenlöw on his older work.

The songwriting, however, is not up to par with Dream Theater. They have the same tendency of their heroes’ band to recycle the same type of riffs for the duration of a song, making the instrumental parts feel extremely long and forced. They have the same type of melodic choruses combined with the exact same guitar sound that DT had on their last album. Basically, they try too hard to be Dream Theater and their songs are not on the same level. The choruses are sappy, but not good enough in that sugary catchy way.

Basically, you can think of this as Dream Theater lite. But they are by far not as good as that band. So, fuck it, I don’t think I like this. To quote someone from Audio Autopsy: “Please, can there be more prog bands that are not Dream Theater worship?” I think that statement sums this album up.

Recommendation: Morph into Mike Portnoy and go back to playing for Dream Theater.

Interesting tidbit: There even is a saxophone. Guess what Dream Theater used on their breakthrough album?

- Information
- Released: 2010
- Label: Self-released?
- Website: Solid Vision MySpace
- Band
- Samuele Pintus: vocals
- Brian Maillard: guitars
- Lucio Manca: bass
- Americo Rigoldi: keyboards
- Yan Maillard: drums

- Tracklist
- 1. The Waters Of The Oceans
- 2. Freedom From Pain
- 3. Apocalypse
- 4. Millions Of People
- 5. Shudders On My Back
- 6. From Hell To Paradise
- 7. New Emotion
- 8. Memories
- 9. Victim Dies In Vain
- 10. Sacrifice For On Life
- 11. Same Death