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Melodic Hard Rock Today: "Tangled in Dream" Review

The first song I heard from Vanishing Point was Samsara, a song from Tangled In Dream. This was in March 2001. It was only a sample I downloaded and it caught my interest right away. I ran to my local recordstore and bought it and that`s how it all began... After a while I got in contact with VP`s Joe by mail. I decided to start working on a fansite about them, check it out :). Joe helped me with pictures and other information and my wife and I started the work on the site. Finally in August the same year, the site was online. I was looking forward to hear what the guys in VP thought about the site and they didn`t disappoint me:) they had only good things to say about it. They thought it was fun to see that someone from the other side of the world had the interest in making a site about them. When we (my wife and I) decided to go to the concert in Stockholm, they invited us to be their guests and we had a great time together during that evening, both when the other bands played and after the
concerts. We are really looking to meet up with them again on their next European tour.

Tom, Silvio, my wife Anne, myself, Danny, Joe, Jack and Chris

It all started when Joe del Mastro, Jack Lukic and Tom Vucur started a band they called Eye in 1992. The first few years they had different singers and guitarists. In 1995 Silvio Massaro joined the band and at the same time they changed their name to Vanishing Point. They recorded their first album, In Thought in -97 and during that period they added a second guitarist, Chris Porcianko. The album was released in Australia in 1998 and in Europe in 1999. They received great response from both fans and media. In March 2000 they added a keyboard- player to their lineup, Danny Olding. The following summer they played at the Wacken Open Air festival in Germany with great success! In the same period they signed a record deal with LIMB music.

Vanishing Point`s second album, Tangled In Dream, was released in November 2000. It was recorded in Palm Studios in Melbourne and produced by Vanishing Point and Endel Rivers. With this album they enter a new era! The music is more mature and they show that they are in the elite of the prog-melodic bands in the world today!

In July 2001 they started their biggest tour ever. An European tour, the last part of it together with Gamma Ray (D) and Sonata Arctica (SF). I was on one of the last shows on the tour, in Stockholm, and I must say I was impressed! They showed that they are a very good live-band and that they love what they`re doing!

In early January 2003 they went back into studio to record their new album. They have finished a lot, but they have still a few things left to record. The new album will be called A Life Less... Can`t wait to hear it:)

Vanishing Point backstage after the show in Stockholm 2001

Surreal opens Tangled In Dream, a melodic progressive rocksong with a very fine melodyline. Their mix of melodic metal and hard rock with progressive elements is perfectly done. Superb vocals from Silvio. The instrumental part in the song is also very nice, huge riffing on the guitars and a fine guitarsolo. The next track, Samsara, is one of my favorites. It starts with vocals and guitar and crackles with real life when it goes of with the first verse before the strong refrain comes. Also this song has a very fine melodyline the whole way through. Closer Apart is my number one song on Tangled In Dream, and how many times I have listened to this song, I don`t dare to think about! The melody on the solo-guitar is great, it`s "always there" all through the song, and I often find myself whistling and singing on the song. It caught me from the first time I heard it and up to date it`s still one of my favorites in this genre. Bring On The Rain is may be a little slower. Silvio has a great voice and listen to this song how good he sings in the refrain and the slow parts. The guitarsolo by Chris lifts this song to a higher level.
Never Walk Away has more of the progressive elements, with tempochanges, and it needs some listening and it grows the more you listen to it! The ballad The Real You is almost an acoustic song, only the keyboards in the background. The vocals grows stronger throughout the song and hits the top at the refrain and at the end. I Will
Awake starts instrumental and here we can hear how good these guys are! Dancing With The Devil starts with keyboards before Silvio starts singing. This is the second ballad on the album and it`s beautiful!

If you haven`t bought this record yet, you just have to do it tomorrow!! Their first album, In Thought is also worth listening to. And remember, later this year, Vanishing Point will release their third album A Life Less...

idbox.it "Tangled in Dream" Review

Dopo un bellissimo concerto al Vidia Club di Cesena, abbiamo incontrato i disponibilissimi Tommy Vucur e Silvio Massaro, chitarrista e cantante degli Australiani Vanishing Point, band progressive metal che sta attirando l’attenzione della critica grazie al suo ottimo album “Tangled In Dream”. Carichi di stanchezza da post concerto ci hanno portato nel backstage e ci hanno offerto da mangiare e da bere, nonostante l’approccio mio e di Gigi sia stato senza nessuna prova del nostro essere giornalisti! Intervistarli è stato divertente e piacevole e questo è tutto ciò che n’è venuto fuori. Buona lettura.

Consideri i Vanishing point una band progressive metal, progressive rock o cosa?
MASSARO:. In generale non è facile catalogare un gruppo, in ogni modo non considero i Vanishing Point una band progressive rock. Direi che potremmo essere definiti come progressive melodic metal, infatti, cerchiamo di ottenere l’impatto dei gruppi metal ma curiamo tantissimo l’aspetto melodico dei brani.

Quanto è importante per voi la melodia?
MASSARO: La melodia è importantissima per noi. E’un aspetto fondamentale per i nostri pezzi. Nel progressive la tecnica è importante ma tanti gruppi la usano in modo spropositato, suonando scale su scale. Noi diamo la priorità alla musicalità perché vogliamo trasmettere emozioni, coinvolgere chi ascolta. La melodia è la prima cosa per i Vanishing. La musica deve essere un espressione di ciò che abbiamo dentro.

Sei soddisfatto delle vendite di Tangled In Dream?
MASSARO: Sì mi ritengo molto soddisfatto delle nostre vendite anche se non sono poi così tante. Siamo australiani ed il mercato che conta per il metal è quello europeo, è difficile arrivarci per noi. Fino a Tangled In Dream eravamo sconosciuti dalle vostre parti. Non eravamo considerati dalle riviste o dai media in generale. Ora le cose stanno migliorando.

Quale idea vuoi trasmettere con la tua musica e con i tuoi testi?
MASSARO:Non abbiamo degli obiettivi precisi. I miei testi sono diversi tra loro e non vogliamo trasmettere un vero e proprio messaggio. Cerchiamo di tradurre in musica le emozioni del momento…se quando scrivo sono arrabbiato allora ne viene fuori un testo arrabbiato, se sono felice si avrà una canzone allegra…insomma, noi parliamo della vita ed i nostri testi sono legati alle esperienze.

Come affrontate la composizione dei nuovi brani?
MASSARO:Quando dobbiamo comporre lo facciamo tutti insieme. Si riuniscono i sei membri della band, ognuno con il suo strumento e con le sue idee. Ascoltiamo qualche proposta, un po’ di melodie e da quelle cerchiamo di evolvere i brani. Cominciamo da un singolo pezzo per poi arrivare alla canzone ma è sempre un lavoro del collettivo.

Ci sono musicisti che hanno significato molto per voi, o che tutt’ora vi fanno da ispirazione?
MASSARO:Ovviamente ci sono, ma non sono gli stessi per ognuno anzi…Ogni membro dei Vanishing è cresciuto ascoltando musiche diverse e tutt’ora accade questo. Io ad esempio ascolto molto i Dream Theater. James Labrie mi piace molto…

Forse mi sbaglio, ma a volte il tuo stile ricorda quello di Bruce Dickinson…
MASSARO:Oh, ti ringrazio tantissimo; Bruce è una leggenda del metal, ed essere paragonato a lui è un grande complimento. In ogni caso non sei il primo che mi fa quest’osservazione. Tornando alla domanda, in generale mi concentro su tutte le band di metal melodico. TOMMY: Io posso dire di essere stato influenzato da molti gruppi anni 80, e specialmente da Van Halen…mi piace tantissimo…anzi, l’amo! Il nostro bassista ascolta alcuni gruppi progressive e tra i suoi preferiti ci sono i Fates Warning. Il tastierista è fissato con gruppi tipo Alice Cooper ed i mitici Kiss, mentre il batterista è un patito di musica molto heavy, anzi, death, tipo Deicide e Morbid Angel.

Preferite registrare in studio o fare concerti?
MASSARO:Sicuramente preferisco le performance live! E’ tutt’un altra cosa, c’è il contatto con il pubblico e per quanto il progressive sia un genere dove sono importanti suoni puliti ed ottima esecuzione, la cosa più gratificante è vedere la gente con le mani alzate che si sbatte a ritmo di musica. TOMMY: Anche io sono d’accordo; Si crea un intesa tra la band ed il pubblico e non c’è paragone tra lo stare su un palco e l’essere seduti in una stanza vuota con la chitarra in braccio ed un microfono davanti all’ampli. E’ un'altra sensazione.

Tra i suoni che avete ottenuto in studio e quelli che avete dal vivo però c’è molta differenza…siete soddisfatti del lavoro in registrazione?
MASSARO:Io mi ritengo soddisfatto…Devi contare che produrre un album è molto costoso; stare in studio, mixare…Ovviamente ci piacerebbe provare a spostare un microfono o variare un equalizzazione per sperimentare varie soluzioni, ma subentra la questione monetaria. TOMMY:Si, è così. Poi devi contare che lo studio ed il live sono due cose differenti che necessitano di suoni differenti. Ad esempio è bello che il cd si senta pulito; lo infilo nello stereo dell’auto e via. Dal vivo invece conta di più l’impatto, l’attacco degli strumenti. C’è una diversa potenza.

Com’è il circuito delle band metal in Australia? Ci sono gruppi interessanti?
MASSARO:Certamente, ci sono tantissime band metal nella mia patria…e sono gruppi validi, con un alto tasso qualitativo. Il problema è che sono sconosciuti perché si trovano in Australia. L’Australia è in punto del mondo mentre l’Europa è da tutt’altra parte. Due realtà differenti. Io mi ritengo molto fortunato per quello che siamo riusciti a fare. Arrivare al vostro continente è veramente difficile per noi.

Mi sembra di capire che consideri più importante l’Europa dell’America per quanto riguarda la musica.
TOMMY:Secondo me è l’Europa la vera patria del metal, e soprattutto del progressive! Le migliori proposte arrivano da lì (immagino che i Dream Theater non siano considerati a priori (ndr). Il mercato Americano è più chiuso e ci interessa di meno. In Europa c’è un pubblico migliore.

Conosci ed apprezzi qualche band Italiana?
MASSARO: Sicuro…Labyrinth…Rhapsody…ci sono anche dai voi degli ottimi gruppi. Ah, anche i Lacuna Coil ad esempio…tra l’altro la loro cantante è veramente carina! … (a questo punto si apre un dibattito sulle cantanti metal che evito di riproporvi…Solo a scopo di cronaca vi dico che si finisce per sorridere al pensiero della bellissima Anneke, The Gathering) …

E cosa mi dici a proposito di proposte progressive di questi ultimi anni?
MASSARO:Ci sono un sacco d’ottimi gruppi…a partire dai Pain Of Salvation, dei quali mi piace molto il cantante; la sua capacità di variare, di passare da cantati alti e puliti ad una voce bassa e urlata, sporca, ma piena di feeling, di groove. A lui invece (indica Tommy), piacciono un sacco gli Ark. TOMMY: Infatti; gli Ark sono strepitosi…per me i migliori di adesso…il chitarrista, Tore Ostby è fenomenale ed il cantante Jorn Lande è il mio preferito. Mi sembra abbia addirittura quattro diversi gruppi anche se gli Ark sono quello più progressive. MASSARO: A me piacciono molto anche i Conception, dove alla chitarra c’era sempre Tore Ostby…E mi piacciono molto gli Enchant; le loro melodie sono splendide. TOMMY: Confermo, “Juggling Nine Or Dropping Ten” è un capolavoro. Anche il loro cantante è bravissimo. Ho tutti i loro dischi.

Quali sono i vostri progetti per il futuro?
TOMMY:Ora dobbiamo finire il nostro tour in Europa, poi torneremo in Australia. Più avanti dovremo partecipare ad un festival veramente importante nel nostro continente. L’anno scorso c’erano 60000 persone e vi hanno suonato gruppi come i Limp Bizkit ed altri più commerciali. Noi siamo la prima band di metal più classico a prendervi parte e ne siamo veramente orgogliosi. Poi ovviamente dobbiamo riprendere a lavorare per il nostro terzo album. Abbiamo già composto 4 o 5 tracce e speriamo di concluderlo presto nel migliore dei modi.

Grazie per la disponibilità…avete un sito internet dove i vostri fan possono trovare informazioni su di voi?
http://www.vanishing-point.com.au

A questo punto Tommy ci invita nel loro tour bus, ci lascia dei volantini con i loro recapiti e ci saluta con un ultima battuta.
TOMMY:Sta sera durante l’ultimo brano mi si è rotta la chitarra…non so bene cosa sia successo ma di sicuro sta notte non riuscirò a dormire tranquillo! Spero comunque di tornare presto in Italia…il vostro paese è bellissimo!

in collaborazione con Gigi

Rockhaven "Tangled in Dream" Review

Tangled in Dream is the Australian band Vanishing Point's second album, but the first I have heard, unfortunately. They are playing melodic progressive power metal. The progressive parts aren't especially dominant and they aren't showing off in any way. They're rather concentrating on the melodies, the arrangements and the catchy choruses. Therefore the album never gets boring. The songs are very varied, but imagine a mix between Dream Theater, Faith No More and Iron Maiden, and you're quite close to what Vanishing Point sounds like. As a bonus you get a hidden track: Pink Floyd's classic On The Turning Away from their album A Momentary Lapse of Reason.

Silbio Massaro's dark vocals are quite original. At first I didn't know what to think of them, but then I realised that it can be really tiring with all those high pitched vocalists that almost every band seems to have today, so I have to say that Silbio sounds really refreshing. The two guitarists Chris Porcianko and Tom Vucur are very technical but they are keeping a low profile to let the music do the talking. This is a really promising band. Check this out!

Chroniques de disques "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from French)

This Australian group is already the author of a first album, In Thought, distributed last year in Europe. In spite of a certain direction of the melody and an interesting song, it was not really a revelation, the production of this album is closer to a demonstration than of a true album. The things change for Vanishing Point with Tangled In Dream, the production is clearly in improvement, even if it is not yet really satisfactory, lack clearness and power. On the other hand, this disc is a little a trap because it is little engaging with the first accesses, but the compositions appear enthralling with the son of listenings, excel it song of Silvio Massaro, y being for much. The essence of work is on textures of guitars and the lines vocal bus little instrumental demonstration. Indeed, sobriety is required and one thinks especially of Behind de Superior with a more pop side, the more obvious melodies being but nevertheless subtle with a song being located in a similar tone. As for the songs themselves, the album is homogeneous but certain titles really leave the batch like the centre piece Never Walk Away of more than 8 minutes and the brilliance Two Mind One Soul. In a part hidden at the end of CD, pleasant surprised awaits the listener with a recovery of One The Turning Away (Pink Floyd). This version rather different from original, namely more dynamic, less planing and has a small Irish key. Will this year, it second albums there have very made a success of many (White Skull, Mob Rules, Sinergy?) and Tangled In Dream forms also part of these revelations and the sobriety of its progressive Pop/Metal will fill the amateurs of Superior and the last three albums of Queensryche. A very good surprise, the only quality of the compositions promises really a radiant future with Vanishing Point.

Metal.it "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from Italian)

Gustosa surprised from the other part of the globe, the Vanishing point, this combo Australian format from very 6 elements, than proposes to us, perhaps first between the groups metal of the austral hemisphere, one fresh rivisitazione of the prog/AOR, kind of for himself already a lot appreciated from ours leaves thanks to the vicissitudes of the Danish Royal Hunt. The peculiarity of the formation is sure the approach much staff and, although in this according to episode that entitled "Tangled in dream", opening "the Surreal" and the successive "Samsara" recall the sonorità very standard of the AOR are of the great pieces that put in Association of Bologna the detached personality of the band, able of mixare melodici elements and technicalities prog in way of all the natural one in such way that between the two infuences is not come to form a imbalance, and music of the Vanishing Point perhaps has in the equlibrio its point of force. Remarkable, above all as far as it it originates them interpretation, pieces like "Closer apart" from the melodicità of ritornello the a lot winning, "Bring the rain" characterized from a compositiva structure much complex, "Two mind one soul" that it represents the more incisive episode of the album is for the sonorità more heavy is for the wonderful fusion melodico/prog that characterizes the brano, "Dance hall with the devil", with fabulous intro of plan a much melancholic and acoustic guitar that the listener in an atmosphere of all the particular one wraps. To notice in this piece the optimal test of Silvio Massaro (much Anglo-Saxon like name not) to the voice, and finally the likeable one cover of the Pink Floyd (like ghost track)"On the turning away" that although I, from gotten passionate of the British ones too much, find a Pò enlivened regarding it originates them, is of pregevole invoice. Taking in hand the booklet with the biographical news of band me it had hit the origin of the six musicians, correlated with the kind proposed, a lot that therefore, to scato it sluice, "Tangled in dream" me scared a Pò for this connubio never felt before, but then having to me to ricredere of the all in the successes to you listenings. This album is a good test that demonstrates as the prog/AOR it can say its also in originality fact, enduring of the reinterpretazioni, like this for the note, than of it they put in relief the extreme ductility. The Vanishing Point deserves a famous one of plauso for the carried out job and the quality of the proposed work, is to executive level how much for the production and the annexed material like booklet and the places setting some from the aspect a lot "catchy".

Tangled in Dream is a cd absolutely advised.

Antonio "Bloodycross" Balsam Ballot: 7/10

Spirit of Radio "Tangled in Dream" Review

Take some melodic metal, add a little prog and a dash of AOR and you've got Australia's VANISHING POINT. Tangled in Dream is a very impressive CD that contains some of the best melodic metal I've ever heard. Think a less speedy Labyrinth. Right from the opening track is hard to resist the catchy choruses, layers of sweet guitar melodies and atmospheric keyboards, all of which are represented splendidly throughout the CD.
While the band creates a stunning array of music, the voice of Silvio Massaro is the icing on the cake. His deep to mid-range vocals are extremely expressive, tasteful and downright sexy as hell. Overall, his performance is fantastic, but he really shines on "Closer Apart" and "Bring On The Rain," a ballad that gets my voite for best song on the CD.
Tangled in Dream is definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of melodic metal. It's also worth the cash if you're not into the genre as a whole and just want a sampling of some of the best that's out there.

by Christina Ricciardi

That's Metal "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from German)

What does one expect from volume from down more under? Either cracking Rock?n?Roll of the sort KINGS OF THE SUN, ROSE TATTOO or THE ANGELS to be silent (from AC/DC times completely) or rather harder Metalkost of the mark MORBID FISHING ROD and/or traditional A la PEGAZUS. All applies to VANISHING POINT not, tries the six with its second album (debut: Thought?) to establish more progressive sounds on the fifth continent. Whether one gives to the child now the name progressive hard skirt, melodischer Prog Metal or however is actually sausage, werkeln the Ausies nevertheless somewhere between BALANCE OF POWER, HOUSE OF LORD and VANDEN PLAS or poppigeren FATES WARNING (in their current Inkarnation understands itself) around. The whole thing has only one hook. And this hook is exactly the same as with the European premiere of this year in Wacken. Reliably the CD beautiful melodies and intelligent arrangements, reliably is also does a Cover offer such as PINK FLOYDs On The Turning Away (in the original on "A Momentary Lapse OF Reason? to find) into the varied number of own Songs integrates beautifully. But a fault remains existing: VANISHING POINT are simply much too more unspektakulaer to formulate times neutral (in order it). CD for a very visible buyer circle.

METAL EAGLE "Tangled in Dream" Review

Australia was never prowd of any famous metal bands or artists in the metal scene. Nonetheless these guys attempt to change what was thought "common rule" for some years. "Tangled In Dream" is their second album and although I have to admit that I have not heard their first one I believe that it is a superb mixture of progressive musical parts and balanced production. They became widely known in Europe through W.O.A 2000 where they performed a great show in front of some thousand european fans. I would definately entitle a highlight the epic 8 minute "Never Walk Away" (also available as a mini-clip in the album) and probably "Bring On The Rain" as well as the Pink Floyd cover (hidden track) "On The Turning Away". Well, they have to compete some of the greatest names in worldwide music (e.g. Dream Theater) since they are on the progressive scene but they seem to try hard to do so. If you like quality music, not to mention progressive in particular, you should pay attention to this album and the band because they have what it takes to "shoot the moon", sooner or later.

Kyriakos Nathanael
8 / 10

Midnight Metal.com "Tangled in Dream" Review

Two years after their debut and one performance at Wacken, Vanishing Point return with a brand new album entitled "Tangled in Dream". VP also has a new line up; Danny Olding on keys and Chris Porcianko on guitars (who actually joined the band during the "In Thought" period), replacing Andrew Whitehead. It really is no secret to me why Vanishing Point has thus far played in Europe twice now (supporting Gamma Ray throughout Europe in late 2001, and Wacken as before mentioned). These boys simply know how to write spellbindingly, fantastic music!

Like it's predecessor, "Tangled…" is a journey into the mind. One thing has changed dramatically however: this is a dark trip. I don't know if it's just me, but this album is laden with emotion and seems to be a very sorrow filled piece of art. Speaking of art, the cover artwork is a perfect description of what you'll find herein.

I'd have to say Vanishing Point aren't as progressive (in the Progressive Metal genre sense) on this album, but more atmospheric and open to building drama through the music.

The one thing that has not changed about Vanishing Point is the fact that their music is so powerful and so memorable that it will stay with you well after you have turned the music off. It's been a very long time since I've discovered a band that has the ability to do that!

9 / 10

Heavy, Oder Was? "Tangled in Dream" Review

"Tangled in Dream"
Review by Martin Rompp
SCORE : 9/12

VANISHING POINT, a band that some of you would remember from the Wacken Open Air, present us with "Tangled in Dream" their second release. Just like their first album "In Thought", with this album they know to convince the listener with very Melodic Progressive Metal.

The troop around vocalist Silvio Massaro have delivered a production that shows once again how versatile the scene in Australia is - at least they have nothing in common with PEGAZUS, neither is this a VAUXDVIHL copy - the more demanding technical parts in VANISHING POINT sound just too accessible to make a comparison. In parts the band would go into the Melodic Rock Pigeon-hole; wouldn't it be for the very unexpected and clever placed breaks. Listeners of BALANCE OF POWER will enjoy songs such as "Closer Apart" or "Bring on the Rain" also heavier stuff will be served with "Never Walk Away" where VANISHING POINT gets very melancholic.

"Tangled in Dream" is a versatile album with some discoveries in store - for example a very interesting cover version of the PINK FLOYD classic "On the Turning Away" that can be found as a hidden bonus track at the end of the disc.

Mape / Suomi Finland Perkele Metal Magazine, Finland "Tangled in Dream" Review

"Tangled in Dream"
SCORE : 8/12

Australia's peacefully melodic Vanishing Point treats us with their new album, which is in another class completely than their debut effort "In Thought", on which there nothing much more special than the metal-wise pretty exotic origin of the band's members. Even though the faster part of the song material hasn't changed all that much from the band's debut to date, on "Tangled in Dreamilla" Vanishing Point finds their own voice, which is at its best on soft, lingering semi ballads, on which vocalist Silvio Massaro's emotional performance proves that there is no need for Ray Alder's presence in the world of metal any longer. One cannot but wonder this guy's voice. Vanishing Point shows their good taste in their choise as the hidden bonus track on the album; they cover the perfect lullaby, Pink Floyd's "On the Turning Away". By default NOTHING, I must say, would more appropriately suit this album's atmosphere. As a nice surprise, though, Vanishing Point takes another viewpoint to the song and doesn't lull the listener any more, but have sped up the cover. Good call, mates! Vanishing Point play peaceful, finely crafted and layed and extremely enjoyable, lightly progressive hard rock. This is one of the finer things in life, to be able to fall asleep to the tranquil tunes of "Tangled in Dream."

Sweet Suffering E-Zine "Tangled in Dream" Review

"Tangled in Dream"
Reveiwed by: The Damnator
SCORE : 8/12

I have an obsession with labeling stuff: everything needs to be classified and catalogued so that I know what to think about it, haha. Okay, I’m kidding, but admit it: we’re all a bit narrow-minded when it comes to certain genres. When I received 'Tangled In Dream' I got the sudden notion that this must be melodic Death Metal (also known as the Gothenburg sound or the New Wave Of Swedish Death Metal). I mean, the cover art is brilliant, no doubt about it: it seems to depict a man suffering from a nightmarish schizophrenia; a paranoid, chaotic madness (notice the words "truth" and "lies" written in grey respectively red on either side of the tormented
character).

But then I saw that Vanishing Point was signed to Limb Music, which could only mean one thing: progressive metal (or at least with prog influences). To me, the word "progressive" has somewhat of a bad touch, as it often doesn’t contain the in-your-face twin guitar attacks and boisterous double bass drums I crave.

I believe Vanishing Point is a band that should be labeled as playing melodic metal rather than progressive: it doesn’t have the cold, sterile touch and inaccessibleness that usually comes with progressive music (read Pain of Salvation - even though vocalist Silvio Massaro’s voice bears a striking resemblance to Gildenlow’s softer side), but a sort of pleasing and inviting warmth where the progressive influences are kept in control. If I was to compare it to anything – and like I told you, I have a nasty habit of doing so – I’d say that it sounds like a not so technical or orchestral Symphony X or – to a lesser extent – a not so guitar-oriented Elegy. What I’m trying to
tell you with these wild ramblings is that they have a sound that could be considered catchy, but without ever resorting to the jolly sound of Power Metal.

To those of you not familiar with the band, they’re a six-piece ensemble originating from Down Under. The lucky bastards that got to visit the Wacken Open Air this year might’ve caught a glimpse of their performance there. 'Tangled In Dream' is their second release (the debut was called 'In Thought') and is expected to put the band up among the big names of melodic metal. That’s not impossible, not impossible at all.

There is much to discover on this album. If you compare (there’s that word again!) music to food, 'Tangled In Dream' is a big, juicy steak to sink your teeth into – rich with flavour and substance (unlike the thin, grey Big Mac "taste" of certain genres): the arrangements are intelligent and the songs are varied enough to let the band show themselves from different angles. 'The Real You' and 'Dancing With The Devil' are ditties that gently put the foot on the brake pedal and slow things down, while 'Father (7 years)' twists and grooves. 'Two Minds, One Soul' accelerates things and steps on a line somewhere between Stratovarius and Symphony X, leaning a little towards the
latter. And the epic 'Never Walk Away' contains all of the above.

As some of you might’ve discovered, the closing title track is only 2:41 minutes long, while the CD display shows 8:45… that’s right: a hidden track! Bonus! And what the inquisitive (and patient) one is treated with is a cover of Pink Floyd’s 'On the Turning Away'. Since I’m not into Pink Floyd, I haven’t heard the original, but this track is actually very enjoyable and I bet it differs quite a bit from the real thing.

I’m impressed with Vanishing Point. Since my only impression so far of Australian Metal has been either unoriginal (read Pegazus) or too… chaotic for my taste (just pick any Extreme Metal band hailing from Australia…), I guess they kind of filled the gap. My only complaint (and I always have one) about 'Tangled In Dream' is that some tracks tend to sound the same; this depends on Massaro’s way of carrying pretty much the same emotions in all his words. Don’t get me wrong: this album offers a nice and interesting journey,
although some stops along the way look pretty much alike. Small complaint, though, since I have no problems at all listening through it and even pressing that "play" button again when it has stopped spinning. Music to soothe your soul, baby...

Edge of Time "Tangled in Dream" Review

"Tangled in Dream"

Some time ago, the German band Superior released "Behind," an album which agglutinated several interesting elements of soft-sounding, yet intense progressive metal. Following to some extent that stylistic path, Vanishing Point is a band that from my point of view adopts, with a similar conviction and impeccable overall sound, a good number of those progressive patterns ("Never Walk Away," "Two Minds One Soul"...), but with a more pronounced melodic approach at compositional level. Instrumentally, Vanishing Point's arrangements sound truly mature, polished, impact the listener with humming-suitable melodies and, while resulting not too rich in shades and textures at times, introduce enough variation to haunt the attention of fans of more progressive music tendencies. Their natural ambitus lays more in the modern melodic progressive rock field, and that's where we discover a stellar and powerful vocalist with range and a good amount of versatility as well (imagine a cross between D. C. Copper and Oliver Hartmann, from At Vance). By the way, as it can be read in the biographical notes, this album makes number two in their career, Vanishing Point come from Australia (not Stuttgart or something like that...), and the entire album has been produced by themselves. I should conclude remarking what an excellent job they have accomplished regarding this last subject. Recommended work mainly to followers of modern progressive rock and melodic metal trends. (GM)

A&A "Tangled in Dream" Review

Tangled in Dream
(Limb-SPV)

Though some of my readers might not believe this, I do think that it's possible to overdo lush, symphonic metal. The easiest way to do this is with a heavy hand on the keyboards. American fans might refer to this as the "Europe effect" (referring to the band, not the continent). Vanishing Point dances all around that dangerous line.
Because these are grand songs with operatic (read: simple and big) themes. The guitar lines soar and swoop with ease, and the vocals also travel similarly predictable lines.

But all that might be alright if Vanishing Point didn't trick out the sound with all those keyboards. What is acceptable from a guitar (even a MIDI-ed guitar, from time to time) just sounds silly on a keyboards, particularly when they crank out drenching chords. I can't exactly explain why, except that it's all too true.

This is a case of more creating less. The songs are all decent, if workmanlike. It just that the production is just a bit too over-the-top. A little more guitar, a little less keyboard and I might have been moved more.

New Horizons "Tangled in Dream" Review

This, the second disk from this Australian outfit, Vanishing Point, has garnered some good press on the underground. They might easily be dismissed, on the first listen as (yet another) Dream Theater clone - but further listens reveal a real talent for song-writing and a style which is all their own. Though they do, at times, demonstrate a heavy side, this is never to the detriment of the melodic nature of their compositions and perhaps they could be said to be closer in style to melodic German prog-metal bands like Dreamscape and Ivory Tower. There is more emphasis on songs and melody than sheer technical dexterity, and it is no surprise to see that the disk has been picked up by German Label, LMP, for a European release.

Their lineup features Danny Olding on keys, Jack Lukic on drums, Joe Del Mastro on bass, the twin guitar attack of Tom Vucur and Chris Parcianko and Silvio Massaro on vocals. Silvio has a very pleasant yet powerful voice and delivers a dynamic performance which never sees him over stretch himself. Jack Lukic provides some great drumming - but the topping for me is some excellent guitar playing from Tom Vucur and Chris Porcianko, which is always powerful, melodic and totally appropriate. No showy axe man work here - everything is in keeping with the music as a whole. The producer and arranger helps bring it all together and the result is, to these ears, very satisfying indeed.

The disk opens with 'Surreal', driven by the twin guitar attack and keys. The warmth of Silvio's voice is immediately apparent, and the song features the first of many memorable choruses on the disk.

Many of the songs have a deep philosophical angle to them and with track two they deal with 'Samsara', which means "The cycle of birth and death" in Sanskrit. Showcasing some great singing from Silvio and a tasty guitar and synth solo it really kick starts the disk.

The slightly more down to earth issue of relationships is the subject of 'Closer Apart' which begins with a chunkier guitar sound but soon develops into a catchy number with great playing from all of the band. Once again there is the sort of chorus which works its way into your memory banks and which, in another age, might have made this a hit.

Things slow down for 'Bring on the Rain', which builds nicely from a start that features just piano and drums and culminates in a sweet guitar solo.

In contrast, 'Never Walk Away' begins very heavily before the main riff appears. Silvio's almost spoken intro over the bass line adds to the slightly menacing air before the tune picks up pace for the chorus. There is a further excellent demonstration of dual guitar interplay and great playing in the keys and drum departments too.

'The Real You' shows the band slowing down again. It is a fine ballad with Silvio accompanied by acoustic guitars and is another number with a great chorus.

Following the faster paced, hard-rocking 'Two Minds One Soul' and its blistering guitar solo; 'I Will Awake' is another number which sees the band demonstrating their harder edge.

By contrast the following track, 'Dancing with the Devil', composed by Pep Sammartino is a slow ballad which sees Silvio accompanied by Danny on piano. Sampled dialogue and orchestrations adds further atmosphere making it one of the highlights of the disk.

'Father (7 Years)' begins with a plaintive synth solo then builds, via a combination of acoustic guitar and piano, into an altogether much heavier number with excellent lyrics too. The final track 'Tangled in Dream' is another brief, slowish ballad featuring delightful keys and percussion and yet another outstanding performance from Silvio.

After this there are two "bonus tracks": 'Inner Peace' is a fairly unremarkable heavy number, culled from the debut album, featuring a pounding guitar/bass combination and a tasteful guitar solo.

The final bonus track on the Australian pressing (which is the version I have) is a cover of Pink Floyd's 'On the Turning Away'. It is not a Pink Floyd number that I am familiar with and, for a moment, the guitar playing had me thinking it was a number by 80's Scottish popsters 'Big Country'.

Overall this disk came as a very pleasant but welcome surprise. I find it hard to find fault with because the parts fit together so well and one has a sense that a lot of work and craft went into the writing, performing and arranging of the songs, which are just that - songs, not numbers or tracks, but real compositions. The final result is a well-crafted and accomplished disk that is very satisfying indeed.

Charlie 28/02/01

Primal Agony Webzine "Tangled in Dream" Review

Before receiving this CD I'd heard good things about the band, had read a bit on them and knew they played Gemany's Wacken Festival last year so knew they must have something going for them. However none of this prepared me enough once I put the CD on, because what I heard was one of the most beautifully crafted progressive metal albums I have ever heard. To top it off it comes from an Aussie band who have a sound you would associate more with Europe than Australia. These guys have mastered this style of music incorparating perfect harmonies with powerful melodies, intertwined with excellent solo's and quality lead vocals. No matter if it's the more rock stuff like "Closer Apart" and "I Will Awake" or the more sedate tracks like "Dancing With The Devil" and "The Real You" this album is very classy. Throw in brilliant production and Vanishing Point have an album that is sure to keep them heading towards bigger and bigger things especially within the European market. One of the bonus tracks is a Pink Floyd cover "On The Turning Away" which they do a good version of. Proving that australia is more than fast extreme metal all the time Vanishing Point show yet another side of Oz metal that makes you proud to an Aussie once again.
Ian Busch

Heavy and Thrash Reviews "Tangled in Dream" Review

Tangled In Dream (Limb Music Products, 67'54', 11 tracks, progressive / heavy-metal):

For those who was at the Wacken Open Air last summer, maybe, you saw the Australian band 'cause they were present in this big festival and for many persons, their show was a good surprise. Finally, Vanishing Point releases its second CD, playing in a musical way that is more atmospheric, more melodic and more progressive than their debut album "In Thought" released in 1997, which obtained great comments in the world. This new act shows a great come back for this band with great compositions ("Closer Apart") and I couldn't identify their music to another band 'cause they have a personal approach of their progressive / heavy-metal. It is sure, we feel influences of Dream Theater but also by not very metal bands such Pink Floyd but their musical way is very personal. In this way, don't miss the excellent cover song of the Pink Floyd hit "On The Turning Away" from "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason". Good come back for the Australian band, a good second effort.

(7/10)

More Than Music "Tangled in Dream" Review

There´s one easy way of describing this band and album. Iron Maiden meets Dream Theater. Vanishing Point impressed on me already with their previous release, but this one is totally so much better. Vocalist Silvio Massaro seems to have found himself in a much better way, since his way of singing have improved and in general it all sounds fresh.

The rhythm figures of many songs of this album are indeed very complex but still well performed. Credits from this goes to the whole band. Massaro is put on top of the music with a voice which is full of steady in depth singing. If you´re annoyed by James LaBrie in Dream Theater, then Vanishing Point is a great alternative.

When saying that Maiden meets Dream Theater, I pointed my thought on the melodic kind of metal that this band produce. The complex rhythms and arrangements mentioned above, bring the DT feel over it. In general I´d compare Vanishing Point with bands like Ivanhoe, Symphorce, Elegy, Blind Guardian but of course also Iron Maiden and Dream Theater.

There´s also a hidden track named "On the Turning Away", which is written and originally recorded by Pink Floyd. I have no opinion on this version really, since it´s of course not a total re-creation of the classic version. Judging from the Vanishing Point of view, I´d say that it´s great. But I´m not sure a Pink Floyd fan would say so.

Check this out!

1. Surreal
2. Samsara
3. Close Apart
4. Bring On the Rain
5. Never Walk Away
6. The Real You
7. Two Minds One Soul
8. I Will Awake
9. Dancing With the Devil
10. Father (7 Years)
11. Tangled In Dream

Hidden track

12. On the Turning Away

Tangled In A Dream "Tangled in Dream" Review

(SPV, Limb Music)

Somewhere between oldschool Queensryche and laid back Dream Theater, with an extra dash of melodic metal, we get Vanishing point. Taking up the seemingly fashionable task of epic, hour long plus sets, the 6 member tour de force is from an unlikely breeding ground - Australia! Yep, the land of Rose Tattoo and AC/DC isn't all bar fighting rock 'n' roll.

The vastness of the music is one of the more striking elements. The production allows for that mystical, haunting distance between listener and instrument. Nothing here us in your face or harsh. Instead, tracks like "Surreal" and "Bring On The Rain" project a sense dreamy floatation, built on lush, pervasive keyboards and Silvio Massaro's rich, mature vocals. Imagine Geoff Tate with a wider neck and you'd get an idea of what the man sounds like.

While most of the disc tends toward strolling amongst the clouds, "Never Walk Away" provides one of the more metallic moments. Emphasizing stepped rhythms and progressive changes, the song provides one of the most heavy handed yet equally unpredictable moments on the disc. "The Real You" chimes in with a flighty acoustic guitar and reminds us not to break our necks, but nod our heads approvingly.

The album could use some more feistiness and variation between overall vibe, yet there is a lot here for the serious minded melodic metal fan. - Brian Coles

DigitalMetal.com "Tangled in Dream" Review

Tangled In Dream
(Limb Music)

The sticker affixed to the jewel case of the new Vanishing Point CD describes its contents as 'Melodic Progressive Metal.' After several spins of this Australian sextet's sophomore release Tangled In Dream, I can honestly say, "Yeah, that pretty much sums it up". In smaller print the same sticker reads "...brilliant second album..." Excuse me, "brilliant?" I just can't find the evidence to substantiate this claim. Good? Yes. Very good? Yes, in places. Brilliant? Hardly. Brilliant would be Dream Theater's Awake, or Pain of Salvation's Entropia, or better yet Genesis' The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The word "brilliant" implies sounds and textures combined in such a way as to surprise and astound the listener, a work of sheer musical genius. What I find in Tangled in Dream is a solid offering of exactly what the first part of the sticker said. A collection of memorable melodies, progressive tendencies, and AOR influenced metal that most any fan of the genre should find enjoyable. However, "brilliant" is a bit too lofty a claim. Vanishing Point, as I mentioned, are from Australia and, to my knowledge, the only band of its kind to hail from the lower continent. I have heard of more extreme forms of metal emerging from "down under" (I promised myself I wouldn't say that...damn.), but none so melodic and smooth sounding as Vanishing Point. At first glance, one may be tempted to write them off as another in a long line of junior Dream Theater's. But upon further investigation a skillful, seasoned band is uncovered. Vocalist Silvio Massaro has something of a unique timbre to his voice. I find it to be a little deeper than your average prog-metal singer. This is a welcome change from the high-pitched squealers that too often come as standard issue in this kind of band. He really does justice to the melodies here, without over-singing them. He simply puts in a good, well-rounded performance shining on songs like "Surreal," "The Real You," and "Closer Apart." Guitarists Tom Vucur and Chris Porcianko, while not offering anything mind blowing or out of the ordinary, both turn in worthy performances. I especially enjoyed the acoustic guitars peppered throughout the record. Their rhythm playing is good, and their lead playing is skillful without overdoing it. They both can be proud of their work on this record. Remaining members Joe Del Mastro (bass), Jack Lukic (drums), and Danny Olding (keys) all pull their weight here. While they're not likely to incite any obsessive hero-worship, they all get the job done with style and grace. This is a band that is not afraid of taking a radio friendly melody and running with it. While most of the songs here are well over the 5-minute mark, they all contain catchy, singable melodies that hold their place in your head long after the CD is put back in its case. Highlights include "Surreal," "Father (7 Years)," "Bring on the Rain," "Dancing with the Devil" and the 'hidden' track, an energetic cover of Pink Floyd's "On the Turning Away." This is a band that, in time, could put out a "brilliant" album. Until then, Tangled in Dream is an album the band can be proud of, and they should be. If you're a fan of the genre, pick it up. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
[Shawn Pelata]

"TANGLED IN DREAM" By: MONSTER OF METAL FEB.2001 "Tangled in Dream" Review

CD OF THE MONTH!

My expectations for “Tangled In Dream were not high because I haven’t heard their debut. Australia’s new sensation doesn’t take too long to deliver. How can they not with over 60 minutes of progressive melodies, including a hidden track Pink Floyd cover ("On The Turning Away"). The opener “Surreal” convincingly stipulates a huge role for the keyboards. While smoothly progressing further into Tangled In Dream, the Dream Theater comparisons will be eminent. That argument is true but without the complex technical traits. With the feels generally pointing to the Images and Words era, Vanishing Point gives the complex structures the back seat all the while preferably giving harmonies and melodies the green light.

Generally speaking, the majority of the songs are fairly mid-tempo, with the exception of two songs. On “The Real You” they let go of the progressive melodic metal and settle for AOR acoustic ballad. “Dancing With The Devil” further displays the band’s variety tastes and experimental vibes; just a piano and vocals with a movie like sort narration in the background( as we find in Metallica’s “One”; minus of course the crappy Lars, Kirk and James). These two songs are greatly sung and further serves as a display of Silvio’s ranges and talent. From the perspective of musicianship no one falls short of talent. Yet neither member delivers and over the top Yngwie-egotistical performance even if you can tell Jack has that extra itch to do more if he could (hey maybe his stool needs tightening). Maybe we should keep a close eye on him cause this boy can get down and dirty on them pig skins(are they made from pig really?).

Last but not least having produced the album themselves, nothing should be touched (pretty good shit guys). Having said this a bright future awaits Jack, Joe, Silvio, Chris, Tom & Danny especially with songs like “Samsara”, “Father-7Years(Gives me goosebumps and it is self-explanatory) “Bring On The Rain” and “Two Minds One Soul” that will knock your socks off. The bottom line is if you are into Dream Theater and Queensryche(yes there are some touches of them here and there) or simply into singing melodies non-stop while doing your work, then go get this already! If you just want to hear a damn good band, then go bitchin for it to your local vendor... Why are you still reading this? Helloooooooooooo!!!

MONSTER'S RATING: 10/10 (kickass cover helps also)

VANISHING POINT is:

Jack Lukic: Drums
Joe Del Mastro: Bass
Silvio Massaro: Vocals
Chris Porcianko: Guitars
Tom Vucur: Guitars
Danny Olding: Keyboards

Produced by: VANISHING POINT
Co-Produced, engineered & mixed by: Endel Rivers

316 Productions "Tangled in Dream" Review

TANGLED IN DREAM
LIMB

So, you think Australia is all Koalas and AC/DC cover bands, right? Guess again, because straight out of Melbourne comes Vanishing Point, a progressive metal sextet whose technical melodies ("Never Walk Away") rival Dream Theater or most Scandanavian metal outfits. Heavy on the keyboards and the guitar melody lines ("Surreal"), Vanishing Point have got a strong sense of how to write a hook laden chorus, almost in the vein of Van Halen and Journey ("I Will Awake"). At the same time, they can shred with the best of them ("Closer Apart"), making this band a versatile machine that is capable of altering moods and maintaining grooves. Vanishing Point is a solid metal band whose bound to appeal to all fans of melodic hard rock.

(PO Box 60 25 20 22235 Hamburg Germany www.limb-music.de)
-Mike SOS

GMX.net "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from German)

What does one expect from volume out down a Under Either cracking Rock?n?Roll of the sort KINGS OF THE SUN, ROSE TATTOO or THE ANGELS to be silent (from AC/DC times completely) or rather harder Metalkost of the mark MORTAL SIN and/or traditional A la PEGAZUS. All applies to VANISHING POINT not, tries the six with its second album (debut: Thought?) to establish more progressive sounds on the fifth continent. Whether one gives to the child now the name progressive hard skirt, melodischer Prog Metal or however is actually sausage, werkeln the Ausies nevertheless somewhere between BALANCE OF POWER, HOUSE OF LORD and VANDEN PLAS or poppigeren FATES WARNING (in their current Inkarnation understands itself) around. The whole thing has only one hook. And this hook is exactly the same as with the European premiere of this year in Wacken. Reliably the CD beautiful melodies and intelligent arrangements, reliably is also does a Cover offer such as PINK FLOYDs On The Turning Away (in the original on A Momentary Lapse OF Reason to find) into the varied number of own Songs integrates beautifully. But a fault remains existing: VANISHING POINT are simply much too more unspektakulaer to formulate times neutral (in order it). CD for a very visible buyer circle. Wings occupation:

Silvio Massaro v
Chris Porcianko g
Tommy Vucur g
Joe Del Mastro b
Jack Lukic dr
Danny Olding key

TRACKS: 1.Surreal 2.Samsara 3.Closer distinctive 4.Bring on The Rain 5.Never Walk Away 6.The material You 7.Two Minds OF Soul 8.I wants Awake 9.Dancing With The Devil 10.Father (7 Years) 11.Tangeld in Dream (including on The Turning Away)

V.Oe.: 12/00 label: LMP/SPV contribution of Wings|Received: 27.12.2000

DURP eZINE "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from German)

Like many Limb publications also the Australians of Vanishing POINT in the schnittmenge from melodischem, symphonischen and progressive Metal act. Review after the debut in Europe still with Angular had appeared, comes the successor now over Limb into the local CD - to shops. (similarly it ran also with Lana Lane, and I am now already times strained, where the next album of Twilight Guardians appears). Opposite?In Thoughts? one could itself increase clearly, which settles on the one hand in the Songwriting on the other hand in addition, in the clearly better sound. Vanishing POINT are neither extremely heavy nor particularly frickelig and symphonisch equal not at all, understand it however to pack from all a little into their Songs and to let from this an absolutely homogeneous working total product develop. The album contains beside the video tie-clip to more?Never mills Away? with?The Turning Away? still another Hidden TRACK, which already from the recently published Pink Floyd - tributes admits to be might. Result an album without weak point, all around succeeded. This volume will go their way. Valuation: 7 please mention with a possible order that your interest was aroused of the DURP. Summary Like Lana Lane thus Vanishing POINT moved away with the new records from Angular ton of Limb. The second release OF the volume from Australia feature A much more more better production like?In Thoughts? and on the of oher hand on improved songwriting. The style is emergency ton heavy, emergency ton progressive and thus emergency very symphonic, but the combi nation OF this element results in on results in on very homogeneous album. Beside at video tie-clip for more?Never mill Away? this album consists thus as TRACKS A version OF Pink Floyds?The Turning Away hidden? (already known from to tributes album). RK the end to OF the day on very sympathic records. 7 POINTS

RATHOLE.com "Tangled in Dream" Review

Vanishing Point is one of my favorite new progressive metal bands. Out of somewhere in Australia, they bring me Tangled in Dream, their second album, and a masterpiece of clinical precision. Now, you always have to savor these sorts of releases when they come out, because the life expectancy of these bands is never as long as they should be. It seems to me that when you get this much talent in one band, for some reason or another, roughly three albums in to their careers, the bands sort of flake out and start down strange paths. (Queensryche, Fate's Warning, Dream Theater)The Progressive Metal seems to lose it's metal edge and you're left with just progress without direction, talent without focus. Anyway, that's the way it seems to me. When it's good, it's great, but when it's bad it sucks. Back to the Tangled in Dream cd though… Vanishing Point is still in the great phase.

This band is structurally on par with Dream Theater's Awake album, but they have such a unique spin on the genre that they don't sound much like Dream Theater at all. The writing is fantastic. The musicianship is flawless. The arrangements are magnificent. Their selling points fall into two other categories though: The production and the vocals.

For some reason, progressive metal bands have largely stuck to the singers in the high range. I have no complaints with that strategy. It's worked very well for them. I love those singers. And when you have musicians of such a high caliber, it's only natural to find a singer that can do things most other singers can't and that usually involves hitting those high notes, a combination of power and pitch with control over both. Now before I go any farther, let me clarify that vocalist Silvio Massaro has those traits. The difference is, he works it from the low end of the spectrum instead of the high. It seems like an obvious move in an attempt to stand out, but the startlingly powerful difference results in a whole different mood and sound.

Speaking of different sound, let's go back to production. Quality production has always been another benchmark of progressive metal. It's required in order to highlight all of the intricate details of the music. The production on this cd is top notch. But the sounds they achieved are different. The lead guitar (frequently harmonized) is so smooth, the glossy production almost gives it a smooth keyboard sound. The melodies they play frequently have an almost Irish or Celtic feel to them, (like some of Gary Moore's earlier work) while the underlying rhythm section remains steadfastly in the metal arena. When the vocals begin to soar through the lower key melodies, the combination of so many different textures creates a haunting and memorable sound.

I could go through the best songs, but that would mean all of them. My favorite though, is track five: Never Walk Away. It probably most completely embodies all of the things I mentioned earlier. While possibly the heaviest song on the cd, it has some very moody and passionate pieces that work seamlessly with the power of the heavier parts. The last thing I have to mention is the "hidden" track at the end of the album, a very inspired, upbeat cover version of the very somber Pink Floyd song, The Turning Away. This is a solid disc from beginning to end though, so I encourage you to check it out. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give Tangled in Dream a 9.5.

Level 11 - Metal Web Zine "Tangled in Dream" Review

Tangled in dream - (LMP) pomp rock/metal -dec00

These Aussies made a great record. I think the best thing with this album is the great songwriting. The music isn't as tight as you want in some parts. Maybe they've tried to do some parts of the music to difficult. But the songs is great, from this pompous, progressive band, sounding a bit like Saga and The Quest at their first album, if someone remembers them. I can't do anything but to recommend this album. Great songs!!!

Andy Craven "Tangled in Dream" Review

Australian Prog / Power Metal exponents 'Vanishing Point' have been together now for the best part of 4 years. Since then they have built up a steady following around the world and in the process have gained very favorable press reviews. Their debut 'In Thought' was released last year and the band toured hard in support including headlining the 'Metal Warriors Metalfest' bash, and gigs supporting Yngwie Malmsteen. The result of this was a place on the bill at the 'Wacken 2000 Festival' where they went down rather nicely with fans and critics alike. 'Tangled In A Dream' the bands second album sees the band hopefully being able to expand on the buzz that has been created. To sum up the bands sound is not easy as they tend to encompass many different genres, but to these ears I hear an amalgamation of the prog tinge of Stratovarius and Dream Theater mixed with the dark gothic undercurrents of Paradise Lost . The band manage to combine melody with at times crushing rhythm sections, yet restraint is also shown on a few numbers. The band consists of Silvio Massaro whose vocals have a good range and clear delivery. Guitar duties are handled by Chris Porcianko and Tom Vucur, Joe Del Mastro [bass] and Jack Lukic [drums] hold down the rhythm section whilst Danny Olding handles the keyboards. The album was produced by the band and engineered by Endel Rivers in Melbourne, Australia.

1. SURREAL [6.03]
Opening track 'Surreal' is a good example of what's on offer with its many different changes coupled with its haunting keyboard parts and atmospheric verse. The chorus see the mood lighten and is a good contrast with its strong melody and impressive vocal delivery. The middle section of the track sees the almost progressive element come in with its meandering instrumentation before heading back to the solid path of the verse. A dark and strong opening number.
2. SAMSARA [4.15]
Similar in approach to 'Surreal' but quite a bit more contemporary and straight forward. The track is also not as dark tonally and this makes it a lot easier to digest. The chorus is another melodic winner with a strong vocal line backed up well matched guitar harmonies. The middle section takes on an almost melodic Stratovarius / Queensrÿche sound with its twin harmony solo before pounding you with a big chugging metal riff that is similar to some of Dream Theater's most aggressive moments [Lie, The Mirror].

3. CLOSER APART [5.27]
This track seems to take of from where 'Samsara' left off with a similar sound and progression. Unfortunately this tends to blunt its impact somewhat and its quite difficult to actually separate the two. The keyboards are a bit more prominent here, again used in more of an atmospheric role. However, the middle section does shed some contrast to the track and ultimately the track gets the message across.

4. BRING ON THE RAIN [6.33]
Starting out with a classic melodic progression the tracks more laid back and reflective sound makes it stand out from the rest of the tracks so far. While the track doesn't break new ground and is not exactly totally original it does show that the band know how to pen a decent tune with a good melody. The chorus is strong and stands out as one of the highlights on the album while the guitar solo sees the track go through almost epic Axel Rudi Pell territory whilst and the guitar sound is also quite Pell. The track ends by running through the chorus a few more times and its one of the highlights.

5. NEVER WALK AWAY [8.19]
The tempo picks up for one of the most aggressive numbers on offer and the intense riffing coupled with dark atmospheric parks are what to me symbolise the bands sound before restraining a bit for the rest of the track. The vocal part sounds like Halford's lower register work and the haunting pound of the backing make this one evil sounding track. The chorus offers a slightly lighter shade of black and while not terribly memorable works well on the track. The middle instrumentation sees quite a few different riffs and another guitar line playing a restraint melody, I would really like to hear a screaming solo over some of this stuff but that would seem to not be what the band are about. Ultimately the track tends to blur into one avenue and while competent enough it doesn't make it stand out from the pack.

6. THE REAL YOU [5.28]
A highlight of the album. The acoustic backing seems to offer light relief from the dark tone of previous tunes and shows what a good vocalist the band have in Massaro. The lighter tone also makes the track stand out and the warm sound of the track thanks to the keyboard orchestration makes it a winner.

7. TWO MINDS ONE SOUL [4.13]
Another dark track that verges on power metal on the verse before the keyboard atmospherics darken the sound for the pre-chorus. The chorus is also pretty dark with a haunting stark melody. The track has a feel reminiscent of the Stratovarius track 'Kiss of Judas' with its crunchy guitar and melodic solo, another competent number.

8. I WILL AWAKE [6.05]
Heavy progressive influences are prevalent in 'I Will Awake' and the sound is very good. Mixing the darker tones with the vocal harmonies of Queensrÿche creates a nice bold sound and it stands out from the other upbeat tracks thanks to a original sound with great use of melody. The sound is also more panoramic and a sense of a truly personal sound is conveyed throughout - A highlight.

9. DANCING WITH THE DEVIL [4.34]
Another remorseful piano led track and it shows the band has strength in this type of reflective ballad.

10. FATHER (7 YEARS) [8.09]
Starting out with a very Pink Floyd / Dream Theater-ish keyboard part [think 'Lines In The Sand'] before clean electric guitar picks up the flow for a restraint and atmospheric verse - very strong indeed. The track builds up to a great heavy second verse which sees original Power Metal type dynamics come into play. Massaro's vocals are particularly impressive here and remind me of a less piercing version of Geoff Tate. The clear production is especially noticeable here and the sonic onslaught is impressive. A good guitar solo adds the final missing ingredient and 'Father (7 Years)' is easily the best rocker on the album.

11. TANGLED IN DREAM [2.41]
Another keyboard led atmospheric number closes the album and it does a good job of laying the album down, not an essential track but it doesn't harm in any way.

HIDDEN TRACK - 'ON THE TURNING AWAY' [5.06]
A cover of the track from the Pink Floyd album 'A Momentary Lapse Of Reason'. The band play their own interpretation of the tune and it does give a clue as to one of their main influences but other than that doesn't add anything else to the album.

'Tangled In Dream' is to me a mixed bag of light and shade, this is not only represented in the sound but also in the quality of the songs themselves. There is no denying that Vanishing Point have their own sound but to me many of the tracks tend to blur into one with no real variation in sound or attack, this as a result tends to weaken the album somewhat in my view The noticeable exceptions have been highlighted earlier in the review and 'Father (7 Years)' is the highlight purely down to the fact that it stands out from the rest of the rockier numbers. None of this is bad material, it just seems to lack that something that makes it special instead of being competent and that tends make it sound like it has no real purpose other than to do what it does. The slower tracks show the bands own sound and again these stand out as being key tracks. I am sure fans of Prog, Power metal and even classic metal will find something to latch onto but to the more casual listener there is not enough to really grab the attention.
RATING
Production - 8.0 Songs - 6.0 Lyrics - 7.0 Performance - 7.0
OVERALL
7.0
Review by Andy Craven

Satan Stole My Teddy Bear "Tangled in Dream" Review

Hailing from Australia, Vanishing Point is a progressive metal band that shows a lot of promise with the release of Tangled In Dream, their second full CD. This disc is done very much in the Dream Theater vein of progressive metal. The music is richly layered and the vocal melodies are very well done. There are noticeable influences from Fates Warning and Dream Theater, but not to the point that this band can be called a clone of either. If I were to have anything negative to say it would be that the play seems to be holding back at times when they could let it rip, but the restrained play works well in most cases.

Outstanding on this disc are the catchy melodies. The music is highly accessible and the choruses are catchy enough to sing along. The cover of Pink Floyd's "On The Turning Away" that is buried in one of the tracks is really well done and a nice unexpected surprise while you are listening. Often progressive metal bands try to be distant and obscure. Vanishing Point do not do this. They offer a sound that is warm and welcoming. The music invites you in to listen and captivates you with its intricacy and mesmerizing pace. I can heartily recommend this disc to fans of progressive metal.

Review by Matthew Braymiller

H.K. "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from German)

Australia offers again and again surprises, which convince completely particularly in qualitative regard for the Metal scene. Cream volume like the Prog Gods of VAUXDVIHL, the Street Rocker ROSE TATTOO or the power metalworker of DUNGEON sounds all together independent and is not with the bulk of the European scene to be compared. So also VANISHING POINT. More carried, easily progressive Heavy skirt, melancholisch spoken, but in no second depressive, with many guitar melodies, sometimes even deeply emotional. As comparable size MACHINE albums occur to me actually only the two first SAVIOUR, which had a similar basic tendency. Beautifully. When they played their European debut in Wacken, were unfortunately only few people before the stage, since the Bekanntheitsgrad was probably still very reduced. That should change with "seaweed LED in dream", because progressive pieces of cream like the Opener "Surreal", which wants to leave emotional "Smasara" or the metallic "I awake" for the future some to expect. Both for eingefleischte Proggies and simply for people with good music taste hot volume, which was not stuck in the DREAM theatre sump. Result: Original, melancholisches work very promising volume - 8 points - of an H. K.

Alexander Karapidi "Tangled in Dream" Review (translated from German)

Vanishing POINT already left a very good impression with its Melodic Metal debut album "in thought" in the year 1997 and/or euro-release in 1999. On their new album "seaweed LED in dream" the Australians make correct thereby again everything. Zweistimmige of guitar duels without the key boards too much into the background to urge, a rhythm section those constantly forward drives and a clear, only pleasantly in-usual voice of Silvio Massaro, settled in the howling buoy range, is not the trademarks of Vanishing POINT. But which would be the six participants without convincing Songs? The eleven titles and "hidden TRACKS" in form of the Pink Floyd number "on the turning away" let also the last Zweifler suspect that we have to do it here with a leading product. Cost samples would be Never reminding the in-usual number "Closer distinctively", that from the tendency to best Queensryche numbers "mill away" and the megaballadeske sixth number of the album "The material you". Becomes clear: Even if Vanishing POINT under the well-known Prog label INSIDEout are, these are to be assigned only limited evenly to this category. My tip: Let you not from the Death Metal Artwork of the Covers impress and give to the album your attention.

Metal Judgement "Tangled in Dream" Review

Submitted by Pestilence (2/14/01):
This is the sophomore release from this innovative Australian progressive metal act. The band’s overall sound can be described as a mix of Dream Theater and solo Dan Swano (Nightingale specifically) with a little Pink Floyd atmospherics thrown in to boot. There are 11 well-composed songs presented here with a little bonus tossed in at the end in the form of a cover of Pink Floyd’s “On The Turning Away”. It is played a little faster than the original, but still sounds amazing. The presence of this track, along with the very spacious sound that emanates from the entire album, pretty much confirms Floyd as some sort of influence on the boys of VP, with the best comparisons starting at the Wish You Were Here era and moving forward.

The sound of the entire album is certainly an amorphous entity, encapsulating many different influences and moods throughout. Track 1, “Surreal” starts out with almost Gothenburg sounding guitar work leading into a song that at first causes one to pause, until you remember that you are not spinning the new Dream Theater record. This striking similarity fades as the song progresses, leaving nothing but pure VP enjoyment in its wake. Silvio’s vocals definitely enforce this D.T. comparison, as his style sounds somewhere between the D.T. vocalist and good ‘ol Dan Swano. Other songs are quite simply beautiful providing a mood very similar to the one evoked by The Gathering’s Mandylion or either of the Nightingale records. Tracks 4, “Bring On The Rain”, and 9, “Dancing With The Devil”, are both perfect examples of this portrayal of musical beauty. Track 9 actually draws closer comparison with Swano than The Gathering, but the similarities of mood with both are still apparent. Also found here and there on this album are hard hitting and catchy guitar riffs and solos giving the music just enough of that heavy edge to keep it unmistakably metal. “Never Walk Away”, track 5, is probably the best example of this metalhead fodder, and my favorite song on the album. There is so much to digest here that everyone will probably have their own favorite parts making this a bright shining star of metal, and no mere flash in the pan.

So basically, if you have an open mind (as in, if you are a lover of all that is metal) you will certainly enjoy all of the different cravings that this album can satiate. It is not necessarily for everyone, so if you are among those who believe death metal (or whatever) to be the only viable sub-genre of our current culture, then you should stay away. Everyone else should be able to easily digest the amazing musicianship, song arrangement and cohesive ambience provided by Australia’s Vanishing Point.

OpenUpAndSay.com "Tangled in Dream" Review

Australia is well–known for AC/DC, their successful pop music exports (Savage Garden, Tina Arena, etc.), and for a huge hardcore/grindcore metal scene. So, to hear that a melodic metal act is receiving endless praise from both their home country and critics abroad, can only mean good things for the band. Fresh from the minimal success of their debut album, entitled "In Thought," and several high–profile festival performances, Vanishing Point have signed to the ever–growing Limb Music and released an album of highly melodic, but technical, music.

Vanishing Point are one of those rare bands that easily blend AOR with progressive–metal influences, whether via symphonic keyboards or only occasional time changes. So, if you are a fan of bands like Fortune, Ten, Aztec Jade, or even Vanden Plas, Vanishing Point are perfect for you.

Silvio Massard's vocals are absolutely perfect for this music. His fairly baritone voice adds depth to the band's uplifting, atmospheric, but not dark, harmony style. And Danny Olding's keyboards are very dynamic and varied, but never eccentric or overbearing; important in keeping the standard heavy metal fan listening. This band has a very tight, solid sound, something of an asset when a musical passage takes a sudden turn for a more symphonic sound. Even on the longer six–minute tracks like "Closer Apart," the listener is not left hanging with senselessly placed virtuosism. In fact, the vocals and spacey guitars on the slower "Bring On The Rain" captivate you effortlessly for well over six minutes.

The epic, eight–minute tracks "Never Walk Away" and "Father" are both brilliant. "Never Walk Away" immediately pulls you in with pounding, driving rhythm. And "Father" stops you dead in your tracks with a neo–prog, Pink Floyd–esque intro and soft vocals from the further impressing Massard. In fact, this intro has a faint resemblance to Black Sabbath's highly captivating "Planet Caravan," just much more dynamic and then switching over to symphonic AOR and heartfelt lyrics.

The title–track, a two–minute short, Bad English sounding keyboard–and–vocal ballad with female backing vocals, is a quiet exit to this album. Some would argue whether ending on such a soft note is wise, but it works for Vanishing Point. Besides, there is a hidden bonus track, the cover of Pink Floyd's ultra–classic "On The Turning Away." The cover is hardly recognizable as a Pink Floyd song until the main harmony is speedily played. In fact, Vanishing Point's interpretation of this song is almost in cut–time, as the original was a slow atmospheric epic. But Vanishing Point have given this song a refreshing AOR/pop, melodic edge that is highly accessible to those that have trouble swallowing Pink Floyd material. Once again, the band has shown how adaptable they are.

This is an excellent release. Even the band's self–production is noteworthy. The album's title and cover may suggest a more progressive inclined collection of songs, but Vanishing Point would rather place melody before their mild prog tendencies, and for them, it works beautifully. Any fan of AOR, hardrock, melodic metal, or even power/prog–metal should seek out this release.

— by Wes Royer, the Editor

Rage "Tangled in Dream" Review

(LMP/ Inside Out)

The second album of this Australian metal band after "In Thought". When they played on this year's Wacken Open Air, LMP were so fascinated that they offered them a deal. No bad decision. What you get on "Tangled In Dream" is intelligent and melodic heavy metal. And it's great to hear that the singer is NO Michael Kiske clone. He has a powerful voice and doesn't scream like an eunuch. The songs are thoroughly arranged and mostly midtempo, between five and eight minutes long. The band has two guitar players and a keyboarder, so they should be able to reproduce their fine compositions on stage. Sometimes the band touches the border to prog metal (for example on "Closer Apart" and "Bring On The Rain"), but with "The Real" you there is also a great acoustic track with exellent vocals by Silvio Massaro. "I Will Awake" is more melodic rock than metal, "Dancing With The Devil" a nice piano ballad. With "On The Turning Away" there is also a nice rock version of the Pink Floyd classic, where Massaro once again proves to be a really good singer. All in all a very entertaining CD.

Rating: 8

Review by: Rage

Power-Metal.co.uk "Tangled in Dream" Review

Vanishing Point are what you might call a criminally overlooked band. 'Tangled In Dream' is their second release and still very few people seem to have heard of them. This six-piece plays melodic and progressive power metal and they have a very individual sound. This is an album you will have to listen to more than once to fully appreciate it's charms but believe me it's well worth the effort.

The opener 'Surreal', a mid-paced song full of great melodies starts the album in style. Right from the beginning you can tell that this is a bunch of very talented musicians and there is some sublime guitar work on show here. The keyboard backings are played to perfection too. This is really quite a varied album dominated by melody rather than heaviness and in my opinion this is quite refreshing. 'Never Walk Away' does have a slightly heavier sound to it, as does 'Two Minds One Soul' which is a more straight forward power metal song. There are also some slower moments and this is where Vanishing Point really shine. 'Bring On The Rain' is a stunning ballad which sends a shiver down my spine everytime I hear it and there aren't many bands who can do that! Similar in style, 'The Real You' is another fine example of melodic metal at its best. Taking things a step further the piano driven 'Dancing With The Devil' is about as mellow as it gets. Other stand out tracks on the album are 'Closer Apart' and 'Father (7 Years)' which both have anthemic qualities. Another thing to note is the backing vocals as these can on occasion make or break an album. Thankfully 'Tangled In Dream' boasts some of the best backing vocals I've heard and the harmonies created are nothing short of breathtaking.

'Tangled In Dream' is probably not for everyone. Anyone looking for some hyperblasting power metal tunes will be disappointed. As I said, this is all about melody and has a very laid back quality. Vanishing Point are among my favourite bands and this album spends a lot of time in my CD player. Approach this with an open mind and it will amaze you just how creative this band is. It's been 4 years since the release of this album and I trust that when the third album finally arrives it will blow me away. Whatever kind of heavy metal you are into I would urge you to give this a chance. It truly is incredible stuff.

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