Review by Paddy Gallagher for MPM
Ad Infinitum came to my attention earlier this year when reviewing the new Kamelot album, “The Awakening” Melissa Bonny performing the guest female vocals on the album and subsequent EU tour.
Curious to check out her other work and always keen to find “new to me bands” a quick search through the information super highway led me to the Swiss four-piece, founded by Melissa, who have three historically themed studio albums released to date.
Or four if you include the acoustic version of their debut “Chapter 1 – Monarchy” from 2020 which lyrically takes us on a journey of the life and times of King Louis XIV of France.
The legend of Vlad The Impaler’s story is told in “Chapter II – Legacy” which followed swiftly in 2021 possibly due the pandemic causing a halt in touring.
So here we are in 2023 with the 31st of March release of “Chapter III – Downfall” delivering a lesson in Ancient Egyptian history and mythology in Ad Infinitum’s signature style, symphonic, melodic and clean vocals contrasting with dark passages, growling vocals.
The dark power of the music, slightly more poppy on this release, and musicianship complimented by Melissa’s unique vocal style and aided by the circa 4-minute song lengths providing a more instantaneous listening experience than some of their peers which can serve as a good place to start for a Symphonic Metal newbie.
Every instrument, including vocals are given equal billing in the excellent production. Djent vibes in “Seth” and “From the Ashes” and a guest appearance by Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie on “Legends” however the guttural vocals in “The Underworld” and at various junctures of the second half of the album grate, yet in other places don’t; although I am fussy when I comes to this type of singing and others may have a differing opinion.
The acoustic guitar at the start of “New Dawn” leading to a bit of djent riffage again before Melissa’s voice soars majestically in the big chorus. Then there’s the guitar solo illustrating not for the first time that Adrian Thessenvitz has some tasty licks up his sleeve.
Technically proficient but at the same time accessible, the signature sound is very suiting to Melissa’s voice with the backing of the outstanding talents of Adrian on guitar, Korbinian Benedict on bass and the superb Niklas Müller on drums there is no doubt this band has huge potential, every album so far building strong, solid foundations.
The future “Chapter 4…” can potentially propel Ad Infinitum along its trajectory to sit nearer the legends of the genre.
Tracklist
1. Eternal Rains
2. Upside Down
3. Seth
4. From The Ashes
5. Somewhere Better
6. The Underworld
7. Ravenous
8. Under The Burning Skies
9. Architect Of Paradise
10. The Serpent’s Downfall
11. New Dawn
12. Legends (Featuring Chrigel Glanzmann)
Chapter III – Downfall will be available in the following formats:
1 CD Digipak
CD Digipak + Shirt Bundle
1 LP Gatefold CURACAO – limited to 300 copies worldwide
1 LP Gatefold Black
Digital Album
https://www.adinfinitumofficial.com
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https://www.facebook.com/AdInfinitumM…
Order the album “Chapter III – Downfall” here: https://lnk.to/ChapterIIIDownfall
