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"At the risk of confusing their audience, Ad Infinitum's “Abyss” is an album of alternative metal, a real stylistic mishmash."
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3/5
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“Abyss” is the fifth instalment in the adventure of the Swiss band Ad Infinitum. Two years ago, with “Chapter III Downfall”, the combo had already jettisoned their symphonic metal and power metal sounds of yesteryear. Since the quartet's popularity has in no way waned following the adoption of alternative and pop compositions, the color of this new opus raises questions. Is it a case of stagnation or new evolution?
The ten tracks presented are essentially mid-tempo, alternating atmospheric passages, pop metal choruses, gothic outbursts, djent breaks and sporadic growls, anchoring the album in alternative metal. Mixing softness and power, it can be destabilizing for the listener who can't quite figure out which saint to follow.
Melissa Bonny's wide vocal range enables her to navigate these shifting currents with ease, moving from ethereal to savage without a moment's hesitation. And, of course, when you're listening to metal with a female vocalist, you can't avoid bumping into a few musically close acquaintances along the way. Within Temptation comes to mind on 'Outer Space' and 'Aftermath', with its surprisingly thrashy break. Delain's shadow hovers over the ballad 'Anthem For The Broken' and the swaying 'Dead End'. Amaranthe is also present on the strong electro-pop 'The One You'll Hold On To'. We meet Tori Amos on the beautiful ballad 'Euphoria' and Madonna on the unbearable 'Surrender', which mixes diva sounds, synth-pop and instrumental breaks that are totally incongruous and aggressive to the ear.
By trying too hard to mix genres and accentuate its pop intentions, Ad Infinitum takes risks here. With their frequent use of djent riffs, mid-tempi and atmospheric passages, the band can confuse any new listeners who dare to venture through this “Abyss”, all the more so as the scattered growls of dubious usefulness, like the guiltily bland instrumental breaks, are unlikely to lure them in. That leaves the fans, whose broad-mindedness may one day reach its limits... - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
 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
LINEUP:
Adrian Thessenvitz: Guitares
Korbinian Benedict: Basse
Melissa Bonny: Chant
Niklas Müller: Batterie
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
2.5/5 (2 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.7/5 (3 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH AD INFINITUM
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT AD INFINITUM
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