Released by: Napalm Records
Release Date: March 31st, 2023
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Links: https://www.facebook.com/AdInfinitumMusic/
Line Up:
Melissa Bonny – Vocals
Adrian Thessenvitz – Guitar
Korbinian Benedict – Bass
Niklas Müller – Drums
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)
Symphonic Metal with its acquired tastes, can often be a tough genre to break into. The simple fact is that is hard to distinguish yourself from the prime bands that many of the fans are used to hearing through the years ie: Nightwish, Within Temptation, Delain, Epica etc etc. Perhaps this is the reason that up-and-coming Symphonic Metal band Ad Infinitum still trying to break ground in the scene. Hopefully that should all change this year with a terrific noteworthy release.
I think they have finally made it with what is now their third studio album titled “Chapter III – Downfall”. Led by the powerful vocals of their singer Melissa Bonny, which can swap from clean to death growls through the entirety of their songs, I think the band manages to provide a more polished record from top to bottom this time around. You have been hearing some noise about these guys already this year, and is easy to see why.
On their third offering, the band delves into concepts of ancient Egypt and explores mythology. The musicianship is more varied here and at times harkens to bring memories of Nightwish and Evanescence with a modern bombastic flare.
Photo Credit: Nat Enemede
The thing gets started with a bang on “Eternal Rains”, the opener tune which features Bonny’s high-rising vocals making an immediate impact. The groove here is traditional Symphonic Power Metal, with a very addicting chorus. The same vibe continues with “Upside Down”, a killer frenetic pace that makes an impact the right way. In “Seth” the calm mid-section brings more melody and crunch providing the listener with a punch throughout the song.
The sharp guitar playing of Adrian Thessenvitz is noteworthy and blends very well with Melissa’s powerful vocals. What is probably the best song on the album comes via “Somewhere Better”, this is a constant repeat for me, the chorus here is majestic, and the guitar lead and melodies are prime, a bit of oriental feel in the riffs just works wonders here for setting a melancholy groovy mood. Great song. Another cool tune comes via “Ravenous”, really enjoy Bonny’s folky vocals stylings in this one, reminds me a little of Within Temptation in parts. This also is credit to her versatility handling vocal duties.
My only gripe would probably be the second half of the album may not be as strong as the first half, still features some melodic and catchy tunes like “New Dawn” and “Legends”, but I think overall the first half features a more emphatic group of songs that states “Hey we are here, this is us”. Again that’s not to say they are fillers, they are really none on this record.
I find it fascinating the connection between the Power Metal legends Kamelot and some of the female singers they have had on tour and guest on their albums through the years later went on to become successful with their own bands. I say this only to point out that Bonny has been lending her vocals on the recent European tour with Kamelot as a special guest. I’m reminded of when Simone Simmons was still breaking ground with Epica, Elize Ryd with Amaranthe, and of course Alissa White-Gluz later with Arch Enemy. They sure know how to pick talented female vocalists. You can add Melissa Bonny to that list as well. Good to check out the back catalog of Ad Infinitum as they have two previous albums that harken in the same sound and deal with the same sorts of concepts and ideas. This a band to watch out for this year, they have arrived. Check them out you can safely pick this one for a constant repeat!!!
Written by: Shadow Editor
Ratings: 9/10
Editors Pick 
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