VISION AND AGELESS LIGHT

EYE were from Columbus, Ohio releasing three studio albums before calling it a day. The four piece lineup was the same for the first two records but major changes for this final 2016 release. In fact, only the drummer was left standing after their "Second Sight" record from 2013. The most difficult task in my opinion would be replacing the keyboardist who had a wealth of vintage equipment. Enter Lisa Bella Donna who actually has even more vintage keyboards, plus a guitarist who can bring it, and an upfront bass player(thankyou). The result is my favourite from the band called "Visions Of Ageless Light".

I love this record! A top five for 2016 which was a really strong year for me. It's just unusual to have such gifted players in a psychedelic band. Some mention ASTRA which is a good comparison. Lisa was added to the site here recently under Electronics for her solo work which started the same year this album was released in 2016. We do get vocals here, both male and female, sort of in the HAWKWIND style. The guitarist offers up some ripping solos on this album, but some variety as well. The bass is huge! Then add the mellotron, synths, electronics, fender rhodes and on and on from Bella Donna, and the result is a masterpiece of this style. HAWKWIND, RUSH, BLACK SABBATH and ASTRA came to mind.

What can I say about the opener? "Book Of The Dead" opens with the waves of mellotron for 2 minutes. Come on! Drums and synths then kick in, but how about the sequencers. I did not see that one coming. "Kill The Slavemaster" has such a heavy start with the bass shaking the soundscape when the tempo picks up. Crank it up! The mellotron and synths sound great but man the fender rhodes is priceless. Lisa has a Jazz background and the lady can play that electric piano. When the e-piano stops then mellotron and synths return. Killer tune! "Searching" and "Dweller Of The Twilight Void" contrast nicely with the heavier "Searching" giving way to the strummed acoustic guitar led sound on the latter. Male vocals with some cool lyrics on that one.

"As Sure As The Sun" is an over 27 minute ride into the cosmos. This track has it all. Repeated themes and I like the combination of Rock and Psychedelia. The spacey mellotron and synth led passages, to the ripping guitar led parts where the bass crushes it. A light show here from the guitarist at times.The man can shred. It opens with the sound of running water as acoustic guitar and reserved vocals help out. Mellotron a minute in as the vocals step aside. Chunky bass and mellotron late but this is such an adventerous trip. Love the drumming before 13 minutes. Jazzy 14 minutes in. What? The male singer sounds like the MOTORPSYCHO vocalist. Honestly to describe this song would take up more space than the rest of the review.There is so much to this suite.

This is my music right here. I'm actually surprised this album didn't make more waves. 5 ageless stars for this one. And of course a spot in my "best of" psychedelic list.

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