Power metal, the most glorious of all musical offerings. Many a form it can take, but never strayeth far from its epic nature. Previously we have covered nu/industrial influenced Tungsten, and pop-power tinged Metalite. This time the shift moves to the symphonic side, the focus being on Switzerland’s Ad Infinitum. You may have missed out on them, but have no fear, for I shall be providing said introduction.
First appearing in November 2018 as a solo project for former Rage of Light lead vocalist Melissa Bony, before fleshing out to a full band after the release of debut single I Am The Storm. The full band now consisting of Melissa alongside drummer Niklas Müller, bassist Jonas Asplind and guitarist Adrian Theßenvitz. Ad Infinitum was signed to Napalm Records in 2019, and on 31 March 2020 they announced their debut album Chapter I: Monarchy.
If you are looking for a new album to add to your ever expanding metal arsenal, then Chapter I: Monarchy should be right at the top of your list. The key ingredients of a symphonic metal band are all present and accounted for. Top tier clean vocalist, supporting dirty vocals, intricate instrumental composition, creepy ambience, gothic overtones. The production quality is absolutely crystal clear, perfectly matching the tone of the record.
Opening the album, Infected Monarchy commences a beautifully composed intro, full of a sense of theatre and occasion, building straight into the chugging heavy riffs. Melissa Bony taking centre stage with a commanding and mesmerising vocal performance. Symphonic metal is synonymous with the use of 7 string guitars and copious chunky chugging. However, the use of an 8 string here just adds another layer to the range. All the keys to a terrific debut record.
On that note, a special mention has to go to the vocal performance of the leading lady. There is absolutely no denying that Melissa Bony sits in the top tier of metal vocalists, with an energy and control most can only dream of. Oh and she rips out the death growls too for good measure. Because being perfect in one vocal style is just too easy I guess.
Ad Infinitum so far have really found a unique section of the symphonic metal world to claim. Nothing about them is drastically different to the norm, but the way everything is brought together, along with terrific individual performances mean they sound like no-one else. They are dripping with gothic fantasy styling, which heavily filters through the music. However there is a darker, almost industrial feel helping them stand out. A textbook example of just simply executing a vision at top tier level.
Tracks like Live Before You Die showcase that Ad Infinitum are not just about the moody heavily choreographed opuses, instead going for a pretty straight forward power-pop track. Such is the expertly arranged album that it all blends together perfectly, whilst offering a welcome change of tone to remain fresh. For a debut album there are very few bands that show this level of maturity. If someone told you this was a fifth album from a decades old established band you wouldn’t bat an eyelid.
Later in 2020 Ad Infinitum released Chapter I: Revisted, an acoustic presentation of their debut album. I can’t say I am normally a huge fan of acoustic rereleases of metal albums. But here the carefully orchestrated theatrical creations ease perfectly into an acoustic setting. If anything, this version of the album simply puts Melissa even further front and centre driving the tracks forward.
In December 2020 it was announced that Jonas Asplind had left the band, and Korbinian Benedict would be replacing on bass duties. They also announced they are working on their sophomore album, which if anything like their debut is one not to miss out on! Ad Infinitum have clearly settled on their conceptual framework early, and will surely build on this on their second album.
Have you been missing out on Ad Infinitum? Well you shall miss out no more. Just a single album into their career and the Swiss metal crew have already displayed a level of maturity and self assuredness to create the platform for a terrific career. Chapter I: Monarchy is a barnstorming start to a discography, so get it on your rotation and revel in some glorious power metal.
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