CARRIAGE is a band from Portsmouth, VA and they have quite obviously been influenced by copious amounts of KING DIAMOND, MERYFUL FATE and IRON MAIDEN. "Visions" is their debut release and can be found via Stormspell Records.

The album initiate us via the first track, an instrumental "Procession". Utilizing a dual guitar is a successfully proven Classic Metal approach. On "Procession", we initially find CARRIAGE guitarists Michael Martin and River Ashberry channeling their inner Adrian Smith and Dave Murray. This track immediately grabs your attention, and has you intrigued for what's next. "Procession" moves into what appears to be the featured single release, "Primal Ritual". To say that vocalist Robbie Rainey has Bruce Dickenson's Air Raid Siren down, would be an understatement. Unfortunately, we also get a sense that Rainey's range is a bit uncontrolled or perhaps poorly restrained. I enjoyed the track quite a bit, but the vocals proved to have a few cringe-worthy moments.  Next up is "In The Night", and it's an early favorite track for me. This one finds Martin and Ashberry reminiscent of Downing and Tipton of JUDAS PRIEST. Indeed, even Rainey's vocal and the style of the song reminds one of "British Steel".

Next up, "Drink the Blood" at least temporarily shows vocal restraint, and reminded me of a couple of bands I haven't listened to in some time, METAL CHURCH and even Grim Reaper. It's another track I really enjoyed. "Deadly Corpse" brings a return to similar vocals as "Primal Ritual". This is a shame really. The galloping guitar and low end provided by Tombstone Steve (Really?) on bass and Randy Ashberry on drums is outstanding.

"Owl" is another instrumental bridge that follows a similar vibe as "Procession". The instrumentals are exceptionally strong tracks, and really showcase how talented these guys are. "Owl" flows right into "Hunting the Witch". Everything about this track works well. Surprisingly, even the vocals work. The song musically twists in and out, here and there again in the finest MAIDEN form. Crunchy guitars, blistering solos, this might be the best track. For me, "Gypsy Woman" is simply filler. It just never really connected with me on any level despite several listens. In fact, I would probably skip it on a regular basis, though the back half of the song seemed more tolerable than the front.

"Alucarda" is "Vision's" longest track, clocking in at over six minutes. Much of the first minute and a half of this is useless, but once the song really picks up steam around the minute and a half mark, it's fabulous. A song that aims for epic status, it's got everything it needs. Lyrically and musically I could see this being a highlight of the live show, which by appearances in the booklet looks to be a theatrical affair. Finally, CARRIAGE closes "Visions" with "Medusa's Stare". This track reminded me of KING DIAMOND more than any other song, especially vocally.

Overall it's a fine debut. I enjoyed it quite a bit. My only real criticism falls on the vocals. If Rainey can learn more restraint and control of his obvious potential, CARRIAGE could easily be a force to be reckoned with.