Hailing from Sydney, Australia, comes the Progressive/Melodic/Groove Metal quartet VISUALIS, and their debut EP titled "Sunrise in Black." The EP contains seven tracks. With no information in their EPK, and no record label, and being that this is a new band in the genre, it was hard to find much information about the band or the album. So let's get down to the music. "Dive into" leads off the album. It begins with piano notes, and the soft sound of waves crashing on the shore. Drums lead in, and ominous tones develop in the background. Guitars join in, and it builds to a crescendo.

"Delirium" opens with guitars and keys in unison. The clean vocals are soft at first, but build with a snarl. They are just a bit pitchy, but that can be expected from a fledgling band without a major label behind them. The lead guitar work here is pretty solid. "We are the Disease" begins with a heavier groove, and then drops to some atmosphere. The chorus features some harmonized vocals, but this is where they probably need the most work. "Decay" begins with some clean guitars, with leads moaning in the background. The raspier vocals don't do a whole lot for me, but the lead guitars break in a-la IRON MAIDEN and present a strong front.

"Doom Arise" opens with some dual guitar work, and then settles into a groove of heavy, weighted guitars and bass, with semi-harsh vocals. The song definitely feels in line with the title. Some spacey keys usher in a lead guitar break. Some dissonant bells come in at the end. "The Search Relentless" presents quite differently. A raucous riff leads off the song...something from the early days of MAIDEN. Again, the harsh vocals don't really serve a purpose here for me. Some strong emotions come through here, but it is an odd song in many fashions. "Sunrise in Black" closes the album. It's a very heavy song with a set of slow, weighted grooves, though the sound is quite different.

Overall, the album shows promise, but falls mostly flat. The band is doing their best to present some varied songs here, but it's hard to identify the genre. Progressive at times, but mostly melodic at others, it leaves you with a despondence that is hard to escape. As I mentioned, the vocals probably need the most work. I'm not necessarily saying they should change out the main singer, but having a stronger front man, and/or someone dedicated to the vocals would only improve the band as a whole. A mediocre first outing for VISUALIS.