Ad Infinitum – Abyss
Ad Infinitum – Abyss
Napalm Records
Release Date: 11/10/2024
Running Time: 41:23
Review by Beth Morait
9/10
It’s funny how genres seem to go through seasons with regards to the music we get into review. Sometimes there seems to be a lot of Black Metal all at once, for a month or so, then it’ll switch to every other album being Death Metal for example. October seems to be all about Progressive, Modern, and Alt offerings, which pleases me immensely, because they’re all right up my street! There also seems to be a ridiculous amount of good music coming out of Switzerland recently. It doesn’t surprise me, but then again, I’m biased, as Switzerland is my favourite place in the world, and I have many happy memories of summers spent there as a child. So, when the new album from Swiss/ German Modern Metallers Ad Infinitum landed in the inbox it was always going to go straight in my review queue! So, what’s it all about? Well, let’s dive in.
The first thing that struck me about this record was the vocal style and general feel to the songs. Fantastic soaring female vocals, supplied by Melissa Bonny, with catchy riffs that gave the whole thing a commercial edge. It reminded me very much of UK band Skarlett Riot, another band who came to my attention and stayed there a few years back. It’s almost Evanescence, but it gives equal focus to the instrumentation as it does to the vocals.
It’s full of singable choruses, and dare I say sometimes predictable riffs, which is my only quibble with this album. But every now and then Ad Infinitum throw in some really nice progressive twists, which elevate things to a different level. They make clever use of samples and synth sounds throughout the album too, which add an extra layer, and enhance the kind of floating nature of the clean vocals. And then there’s some damn epic guttural screams, also supplied by Melissa. And this reminds me of Scardust vocalist Noa Gorman’s impressive vocals. Another plus point for the sound on offer here. Check out ‘Aftermath’ for a great example of this, and some really quality riffage too.
There’s something almost Pop-like about this album, with a couple of songs that could probably stand up against the mainstream charts right now. I can’t decide if this is a good thing or not, because there’s so much utter turd in the mainstream at the moment that picking what to listen to is like what I imagine picking which insect to force yourself to eat first in order to survive, when marooned on a desert island would feel like. But that said, if this outstripped the big boys in the mainstream, it would show that many people share the same opinion as me about Pop, and a move back to the heavier side of music is what the world wants. Anyway, apologies for that slightly ranty interlude!
This is definitely a strong entry into the pool of current releases, that can hold its head high above water, and paddle the waves of so many genres. It’s mixed and mastered perfectly, too, which always makes things better.
In short. If you like Modern, slightly commercial Alt-Metal, with some Progressive hooks, and screams that are balanced out with mainstream chart Pop tools, then this is the album for you! And if you like Orchestral remixes of songs, then check out the Earbook version of the album, as there’s a bonus reworking of ‘My Halo’ on it.
‘Surrender’ Official Music Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. My Halo
02. Follow me Down
03.Outer Space
04. Aftermath
05. Euphoria
06. Surrender
07. Anthem for the Broken
08. The one you’ll hold on to
09. Parasite
10. Dead End
11. My Halo (Orchestral Version)
LINE-UP:
Melissa Bonny – Vocals
Adrian Thessenvitz – Guitars
Korbinian Benedict – Bass
Niklas Müller – Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Morait and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
