Release Date May 22nd, 2026
Format Mini-CD/ Vinyl
Genre ProgPower Metal
Origin Italy
Vision Divine is an Italian progressive power metal act formed in the late 90s by guitarist Olaf Thorsen, also known from Labyrinth. Through the years, the band built its name on melodic power metal with progressive touches, high-level vocals, elegant keyboards and a sci-fi flavored identity. The return of Michele Luppi on vocals and Oleg Smirnoff on keyboards gives "A Clockwork Reverie" extra interest, since these names are tied to some of the band’s most respected years.
"A Clockwork Reverie" is a compact EP with class, speed, melody and serious musicianship, released via Scarlet Records. The classic Vision Divine character is present, bright keyboard layers, soaring vocals, melodic guitar lines and that elegant Italian power metal flavor, now dressed in a modern studio sound that gives the material a fresh attack.
Michele Luppi sounds in great form, bringing range, control and character. Olaf Thorsen’s guitar work has the familiar melodic bite, Oleg Smirnoff’s keyboards add color and drama, while Andrea Tower Torricini and Matt Peruzzi give the songs a firm foundation. The title song "A Clockwork Reverie" and "18 (It Feels Like Heaven)" show the band at its most inspired, with strong choruses, rich arrangements and enough progressive detail to avoid plain power metal routine.
The 2026 versions of "Identities", "God Is Dead" and "The 25th Hour" are not lazy leftovers. They bring older material into the current lineup’s sound and make sense inside this release. The production is very refined, maybe a little too neat in places for anyone wanting a rougher metal attack, and that is where the EP loses a small amount of fire. Still, the songs have enough spirit and quality to rise above simple re-recording territory.
"A Clockwork Reverie" is a very good comeback for Vision Divine. It is melodic, skilled, dramatic and full of the band’s classic identity, without sounding stuck in another era. At 34 minutes, it gives enough material to matter and leaves a clear message, Vision Divine still have serious power in their arsenal. Not flawless, since the very smooth finish takes away a little raw impact, still a damn strong release from a band that knows its craft.
|8.0
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