VISIONS IN THE DARK

"Visions in the Dark" is the second full-length studio album by Swiss progressive rock act Deyss. The album was independently release on both vinyl and CD in 1987. In 1995 the album saw a more widespread release when the Musea Records label picked it up for a reissue (in the CD format).

Stylistically "Visions in the Dark" is a continuation of the neo-progressive rock sound which Deyss initiated on their 1985 debut full-length studio album "At-King". Two new important additions have been made to the lineup as Jester (yup that´s the very Marillion influnced pseudonym he is working under) has joined on lead vocals and Francois Bauer is the band´s new drummer. It´s still contemporary Marillion which is the greatest influences on Deyss, but also artists like late 70s Genesis, IQ, and Pendragon can be mentioned as valid references.

Compared to "At-King" everything is better on "Visions in the Dark". The sound production is better sounding (although the album still features a relatively trebly and thin sound), the band are arguably more well playing and especially the drums are much more interesting and better performed on this album. Bauer isn´t the most interesting or distinct sounding vocalist, but he gets the job done reasonably well. It´s still the melancholic keyboards and guitar leads which are the greatest assets of the band´s sound, but this time around there are actually also a few songwriting moments which I find at least partially intiguing.

Upon conclusion I wouldn´t be honest if I told you that I think that "Visions in the Dark" is a great quality release, but it´s decent enough and for the all eating fan of neo-progressive rock it may even have some value. To most of the rest of us, we´ll probably live fine with the best works of the above mentioned influences. A 2.5 (50%) rating is warranted.