Blind Illusion - Ultimate Anthology Vol 1: The Likewise Sessions

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Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: BLIND ILLUSION; signed via Sonic Age/Cult Metal Classics Records, hailing from the United States of America - performing Heavy Metal, on their debut Compilation Album entitled: “Ultimate Anthology Vol 1: The Likewise Sessions” (released May 21st, 2021).

Since formation in 1978 until 1989, reformed in 2009 the quartet in question have been put to bed and resurrected sporadically a good few times now - however, in their time they have 7 Demos, 1 EP, 2 Full-Length albums and this here debut compilation album in their discography so far entitled: “Ultimate Anthology Vol 1: The Likewise Sessions”. 2 Discs with the first ranging at around 01:02:08, and the second ranging at around 19:36 - BLIND ILLUSION arranges an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Heavy Metal developments.

Opening up with this jazzy type of bluesy acoustics fused with these choppy drum taps; this technical remedy revolves around an old school element in traditional manifestations of meticulous yet rhythmic synergies, "Kamakaze" starts things off with uniquely organic panache & riveting substance where rollicking speed steamrolls with wildly rushing stability. The sound production is blatantly demo quality, where quintessential virtuosity still remains progressive while so far I wouldn't say thrash-orientated yet there are hints of it. A potent vibrancy showcases sulfurous stridency on versatile vehemence, ramified with sturdy tonalities where dexterously creative dynamism hybridly crafts an inventive blend of hefty but distinctly distinguished flexibilities in fundamental firepower expertise.

This psychedelic transparency merges this crunchy calamity in catchy flamboyance; frolicking, chugging and shredding with swervy hooks in which trailblaze with rapidly swift nimbleness throughout some sonically seamless revs that shine with hypnotising harmony before this upbeat surge kicks up profusely with robust euphony. “Nightmare On Secret Town Road” distils conceptual licks from consisting guitar/vocalist maelstrom Marc Biedermann who zestfully rips the guitar fretfully with prestigiously prodigious riffs while singing with clean but high-pitched momentum. “Freedom Passed Me By” articulates at a groovy contrast in elegantly sublime vibes of feel-good hymns which supply with snappy quirkiness throughout this entrancing enthrallment of somewhat mystifying mellow & upbeat jamboree, where this majestic verve chimes fluidly and exquisitely with constructive flow.

David White on vocals also assists with these sanguine pipes while more radically wicked buoyancy executing an effervescent flair within “Who Am I?” which wondrously effects with this adroit aesthetic in enriching an enticing element in flourishing instrumentation where the salubriously spirited vivacity transcends with otherworldly spellbinds which mesmerises you with lofty grandeur while the next lengthy rocker “Death Noise” is an 11 minute long rumbler where it begins with this rattling drum solo from Bret Hern… where more crunchy cruisers evolves with punchy jumpiness from audible bass grumbler Chris Olsen – who venomously injects an infectious foundation in borderline thumpiness while more steely precision unearths boisterously bouncy grips & striking pursuits on weighty stompiness that grinds amongst an exhilarating fabrication on amplified adrenaline which will rollick heads in no time.

“World That’s An Illusion” comes next with this spacious shroud of static; this one stands out quite sporadically, where solos upon solos gravitate delightfully with outbursting mayhem that sound really good to jam to. Sophisticated jolts clamour eloquently with piercing yet rolling thunder, where ballad-esque anthems oscillate with more persistent yet screeching shrieks that are groundbreaking and stampeding with rigorous vigour. While the poetic “Life Goes On” vivaciously shouts with strong verve, epic ardour and enthusiastic immersivity. It’s a complex recording so far, delivering lots of adverse flavours in which it portrays an avant-garde diligence in detailed yet methodical riffage. The more speed-driven “The Watcher” hastefully pushes things into brisk overdrive, relentlessly strumming with expeditious furore, one of the more blistering and breakneck belters for sure.

We then come forth to the penultimate track “Death Is Grey”; another mountainous slab of towering systematics that swerve with weaving perseverance, where this foggy beginning opens up with this doomy BLACK SABBATH-esque rift…as this monolithic tempo rambunctiously romps with rampant meatiness. Unearthing this swampy sass on razor-sharp solidarity, the overall concluding basher “Rockers Unite” clobbers eardrums with this barrage frenzy on rip-roaring impact. Impulsing you with crisp gnarliness, distorted furocity and crazy but electric magnitude of rocking passion.

With that disc finished, disc 2 offers 1979 demo versions of tracks like “The Watcher”; “Who Am I?”, “Kamakazi” & “Death Is Grey”. All sound notably louder with this more rough tone to it, it’s a nice slab of additional bonuses to an already expansive anthology.

Bottom line; I am compelled to say that BLIND ILLUSION most surely delivered an enjoyably entertaining experience of some old school proggy yet traditionally technical rock merged with metalized pursuits. “Ultimate Anthology Vol 1: The Likewise Sessions” provides an enriching establishment of some archaic but formulaic and not so linear 70s/80s progressive transgressions that makes this a discovery worthy of investigating & spinning a good few times. Play & surround yourself with some concretely gritty, but enlightening representations where the starting point of rock/metal steadily began to get heavier, faster and louder! Do check it out.

Songwriting: 8
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 8