Ad Infinitum - Abyss (Napalm Records)
"Towering melodic metal made with Swiss-German skill and precision."
Spending a good portion of 2024 on the road supporting Kamelot, this has been a very busy year for Swiss-German melodic metallers Ad Infinitum. Yet, at just six years into their career, this is the work that has garnered the quartet praise from critics and legions of fans around the world. And this this support comes the long awaited release of Abyss, arguably the band's finest release to date.
Helmed by the soothing call of vocalist Melissa Bonny, "My Halo" is as enchanting as the northern lights on a cold winter's night. Likewise, the latest single "Follow Me Down" is a stunning display of dreamy overtones united in ultra-catchy hooks. Switching into her increasingly iconic roar in "Outer Space", which made its live debut in North America back in April, the exquisite instrumentation locks in step, changing between ambient passages and groove heavy riffs.
Chock full of anthemic tracks, "Anthem for the Broken" dials in some Comalies era Lacuna Coil textures while "Dead End" conjures up Epica vibes. Showcasing another side of their talents, the orchestral version of "My Halo" bookends the deluxe edition of the album, bringing together all the brilliance Ad Infinitum has to offer as songwriters.
Scheduled to tour Europe with fellow Swiss powerhouse Eluveitie and label-mates Infected Rain in 2025, expect another big year from this rising superstar.
Arctis - Arctis (Napalm Records)
"Enter the frozen, futuristic domain of your new favorite symphonic metal band."
Hailing from the heavy metal capital of the world, Arctis enter the Thunderdome under the flag of Finland with their self-titled debut album. Storming the field with fists flying, opening track "I'll Give You Hell" leaves no question of what the quintet has come to do. Welding shimmering synthesizers and pummeling guitar, drum and bass work into a megaton hammer, Alva Sandström's immense voice are the hands that bring this weapon down on all that stand in her way.
Despite their ferocity, Arctis isn't afraid to have fun, as demonstrated with their cover of "Bimbo", made famous by Swedish rock band Lambretta. Even the low tuned, Soilwork infused bounce of "When the Lights Go Out" and "Remedy" are uplifting and refreshing, like a cold blast of northern winds.
One thing Finnish bands, especially melodic and symphonic metal bands, do well is world building. Arctis is no exception, and demonstrate their mastery of painting vivid images of far away lands on tracks such as "Frozen Swan", "Fire" and "Theatre Of Tragedy". Each track is flawlessly crafted in an exciting, original manner that will quickly win the hearts of Delain, Visions of Atlantis and Xandria fans.
Hitting the road this November in Europe supporting Apocalyptica, expect big things to come from this epic metal sensation.
The Spirit - Songs Against Humanity (AOP Records)
"A shining example of high octane German engineered black metal."
At nearly a decade into their career, Saarbrücken based The Spirit have blazed the skies above the German black metal scene with three revered albums since their inception. Entering in as their fourth release, Songs Against Humanity is fine tuned, well crafted vessel of icy riffs, thundering drums and infectious melodies.
Clocking in just over eight minutes, opening track "Against Humanity" is so packed full of hooks and grooves that flies by, demanding to be listened to again and again. Segueing into "Room 101", the spirit of Dissection can be felt through the stellar guitar leads which compliment powerful rhythm sections.
Not leaving blast beat addicts out, "Spectres of Terror" channels the fury of bands like Satyricon and modern era Dark Funeral. Dialing in some more atmospheric tones, "Nothingness Forever" and instrumental closer "Orbiting Sol IV" are sure to be favorites of those in camp Uada and Wolves In the Throne Room.
As any top shelf black metal album should be, Songs Against Humanity is a magnificent blend of melody and might that also delivers an experience to the listener. It is complex enough to immerse oneself in for exploration of the little details, but is welcoming rather than overwhelming and therefore great for multiple listens in a single session.
Turkey Vulture - On The List (Independent)
"A punch to the gut and a splash of whiskey to the face - true Connecticut underground fury."
At a time when bands like Midnight have come to dominate stages and channel the essence of dim, smoky dive bars and sleazy nightclubs, the appreciation for raw, uncompromising metal continues to rise among fans new and old. It is fitting then that Connecticut duo Turkey Vulture return with their latest EP, On The List to serve up their iconic brand of gritty, vicious audio assault.
Kicking off with the two step inciting "Fiends Like Us", influences of hardcore and punk ala Fear and The Casualties meet heavier material, which are only dialed up in blast beat riddled "Untitled". For those looking for something a bit more gruesome, "Dollhouse" and "Harvest Moon" are excellent macabre works.
As with their last release, Twist the Knife, Turkey Vulture proudly crosses metal lines to blend traits of other genres. That which lies beyond, in this case, is the ghastly, accordion driven closer "Jill the Ripper". Cheeky in lyrical nature, alluding to the darker side of dating apps, perhaps it is this association with real life events of deathly connections on the internet that make this the most uncanny track on the album. Truth can indeed be strangers, and more morbid, than fiction.
What brings On the List to the level of essential listening among independent releases is its honesty. The musical connection between Jessie May and Jim Clegg - guitar/bass/vocals and drums/vocals respectively - is strong as even the most leftfield elements on the album stand out but do not overshadow the songs.
Advance copies courtesy of Freeman Promotions, Secret Service PR and Turkey Vulture
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