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I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I reviewed Vision Divine's debut (and, being an import at the time, it wasn't cheap!) I haven't kept up with the band at all over the years and decided it was time to see what they're up to.

There have been lineup changes over time and I won't go into this—Metal-Archives will tell you what you need to know—but the current lineup produced one hell of a power metal gem with When All the Heroes Are Dead. The power and speed are still present, but this is more melodic than at their debut and thankfully that doesn't water down the music even though it is more accessible. The music is incredibly positive-sounding and upbeat, making this the kind of album that can give you a jolt of energy when you're feeling down. The vocals are a major highlight here: melodic, powerful and singalong-inducing. I've listened to the album several times when on long walks and at the office and it was incredibly hard to remain "impassible" while listening to it. I guess I've seen much weirder things than people rocking out in public with headphones on. ;)

I'd be hard-pressed to list some favourites as each of the 12 tracks stands strong on its own and there's literally nothing here that I ever felt like skipping over. With some 20 years between the debut and this album, this makes me regret I haven't been keeping up with Vision Divine throughout that time—never too late, I guess. If positive, high-octane, well-executed and catchy power metal is your thing, then you really can't go wrong with When All the Heroes Are Dead.