“Chapter III – Downfall” is Ad Infinitum’s third studio album, following their debut in 2020 and the follow-up in 2021. I suppose it’s not bad to release three albums in three “weird and difficult” years, when lockdowns and the pandemic have allowed many musicians to focus on writing and recording new music. Moreover, Eluveitie’s vocalist Chrigel Glanzmann makes a guest appearance on “Legends”.
Lyrically, the new album delves into the stories and legends of Ancient Egypt, with Cleopatra serving as the major character and inspiration. The band’s melodic modern metal sound is enriched by symphonic, atmospheric, pop metal, and even gothic elements, creating an expressive and immersive soundscape. The production is dynamic and full, with credit going to the eminent producer Jacob Hansen (Avantasia, Arch Enemy, Delain, etc.), who recorded, mixed, produced and mastered the album. The orchestration, handled by Elias Holmlid (Dragonland), adds an extra layer of depth to the final outcome.
It’s easy to find your favorites among the 12 songs included on this album. Personal faves are: “Eternal Rains”, “Upside Down”, “Seth”, “From the Ashes”, “Somewhere Better”, “Ravenous”, “Under the Burning Skies”, “New Dawn” and “Legends”. However, it is a blessing to have a vocalist like the talented Melissa Bonny (The Dark Side of the Moon), who has such a wide vocal range and can easily combine melodic and clean vocals with growling ones.
“Chapter III – Downfall” is certainly the band’s strongest work to date, as well as an album that indicates their whole musical progression. The album’s perfect balance between melody and heaviness, as well as its instrumentation, establishes the band as one of the most promising new acts in recent years. Do check it out if you’re into this kind of music.
