Vision Of Disorder's long awaited return is now finally a reality with "From Bliss To Devastation", their first full length effort since 1998's excellent, "Imprint". After parting ways with Roadrunner Records, the band have now found themselves a new home with TVT Records; and it is quite possibly the time they spent on their own, without any labels breathing down their neck, that allowed them to make this effort such an invigorating departure from the pugnacious metalcore they once thrived on. Taking their hardcore / metalcore roots and heading south this time around, they've come up with 13 immensely dynamic numbers full of sludgy riffs and driving percussion that sound much like a modernized caustic blend of Black Sabbath and Soundgarden.

Band frontman Tim Williams is in fine form, showing off more diversity than ever before, utilizing both soulful, gritty croons and ferocious screams to put his proverbial aural fist right through the listeners head. Guitar work courtesy of Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy, also capitalizes upon the more open fields, letting loose with sludgy, heavy as hell riffs that hit like a cannonball to the stomach. At times toying with some experimental ambiance, they above all, always keep a keen focus on song progression with a stable of mature, aggressive riffs; making the guitar aspect of this release top notch with enough might and intensity to give even the most seasoned metal fan a concussion. Bass wise, the songs are littered with belligerent plucks, tuned down a few steps as they cut out thick grooves, becoming as integral to the songs as a machete is in the jungle. Meanwhile, drummer Brendon Cohen carves out a dense, determined percussive battering that possesses enough diversity and skill to strike the listener like a cinderblock against the head. His playing is definitely a bit more self indulgent and rigid on this effort, but that doesn't mean its any less lethal.

This is an album that will no doubt take an adjustment period for most longtime fans of V.O.D., for it is a step in a direction that for most fans, will be completely unexpected. However, after a few listens, its clear to see that this is perhaps one of the most progressive releases put out in modern metal in the past few years. With a sound akin to a no holds barred, all out rumble between the likes of Clutch, Soundgarden and Black Sabbath, the band have drawn inspiration from the masters and sculpted one dark, crushing bastard of a record. Its evil, its brooding and it heavier than a 40 foot cement pillar. These qualities alone are enough to make it highly recommended, but when you factor in the intelligent song writing and the seasoned musicianship on display, there's really no reason as to why any true metal fan shouldn't take a listen to this disc. It's not mainstream, its not new metal and it damn sure isn't rap metal, it's Vision Of Disorder; a band who have just took a giant step out on there own. When it all comes down to it, anyone sick of the current scene out there, pretty much need to hear this album. It's honest, its brutal and it will take you on a trip exactly of which its title suggests, "From Bliss To Devastation".