Every band has a turning point. A moment in time when they find their purpose, their passion, their….je ne sais quoi. So to speak. Multi-European symphonic metal band Visions Of Atlantis have taken to the plundering ways on their latest release Pirates. A one off venture to the high seas, or a permanent Running Wild shift to the piratical ways? A lot I suspect depends on the reception their new adventure reveals.
Pirate metal is a peculiar beast. Folk metal as a whole one could say is an odd mix that somehow works. Rising the wave between (semi-)serious, historically significantly folk music, and totally absurd musical mayhem. Visions of Atlantis have infused their symphonic metal style into the fluid land above Davy Jones. Generally pirate metal comes from a folk or traditional power metal beginning, so interesting to see a new genre (or sub genre….or sub sub genre) make hay into the pirate party.
Visions of Atlantis are probably the only band to exist where the sole remaining original member is the drummer, since their inception in 2000. They have passed through a number of band members, always retaining the dual male/female lead (whilst changing frequently). The current duo of Michele Guiatoli (sharing vocal duties between here and Temperance) and Clementine Delauney (formally of Serenity) first joined forces on their previous album, 2019’s Wanderers, have have now returned for 2022’s Pirates.
And Pirates certainly puts their vocals to maximum use. A number of the songs put the vocals front and centre, with the band largely sitting in the background. Not a bad thing on those ballads and signature moments with the use of 2 ultra talented vocalists up front. The snappy Clocks and Melancholy Angel are comfortable hits to add to your favourite regular playlist. Sandwiched around a seafaring serenade in Freedom.
Pirates is 58 minutes long, which is par for the course for a symphonic metal album (which is generally too long for my liking). It’s a little long here too, but the quality on offer, and the change of pace throughout keep it fresh and prevent it from feeling too leggy.
8 studio albums in, and Visions of Atlantis are sounding the best they ever have. There is a maturity to Pirates which has not been felt on a previous release. The quality is top notch, and the dual leading vocalists sparkle. Is it the pure buccaneering power coursing through their veins? Who knows. But take to the high seas, blast Pirates at full volume, and glory awaits.
Score: 8.5/10
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