Hailing from one of the hottest places on earth (Arizona) come Laconic. With their debut album “Visions” in hand, is their vision a promise of a better tomorrow or just a complete nightmare? “Prologue” is the perfect backdrop to open this mind numbing thrill ride. Intensely eerie sounds reminiscent of a horror movie score lead me to become “Medicated.” Big thick guitars drive and drill you in the forehead, while thunderous bass and drums make you want to bob your head. In contrast, the choruses lead you down a sweeping melodic hallway of tender love and care. Laconic try their softer side of metal madness with the track “Visions.” Acoustic guitars, soft drums and soothing bass caress you like a baby wrapped in your mommy’s loving arms. But, before you go to sleep, your eardrums burst with killer melodic crunch, similarly done by bands like Bullet For My Valentine and Killswitch Engage. I have found that Laconic really take the listener on a sonic journey from one emotion to the next. Soundscapes like “Sleeping and Dreaming” create a cool break between the extreme brutality and aggression, with its beautiful piano and guitar work. Very, very cool indeed! With songs Like “Storm of the Century” and “Save and Ruin,” Laconic could draw a comparison to a band like Dry Kill Logic…and that’s not a bad thing. Both songs have that bounce and groove that you come to expect, and will definitely break necks in a pit. With his eerie and haunting verses that dive directly into screams of anguish, Danny’s voice fills out this song quite nicely. Then once again, Laconic throw a complete curve ball at you with a track like “The Spirit.” The song features an acoustic guitar, accompanied with strings and keys from beginning to end. If I had my way, this song would be destined for commercial radio greatness. In the end, “Visions” is an album that not only packs a wallop, but also takes the listener on an ever-so-needed flight– something most bands try to achieve, but fail miserably at. The only sad thing about Laconic is that these guys aren’t already signed. Do yourself a favor…close your eyes and hold on tight. This album is a dream that you don’t want to wake up from.