AD INFINITUM – “Abyss” (2024)

Modern Metallers AD INFINITUM are back with their next strike that initiates a new trilogy triggered by “Abyss”, with “Surface” and “Elysium” arriving in the future as the band has already shared. When the band mentioned a new era it did not only translate to the end of the “Chapter” album naming, as it was clear from the first singles that a new sound direction was followed. Changes are risky for sure, so did this one pay off? 

First of all let’s see where the biggest changes lie. They are driven from the vocal renditions of Melissa who adds strong pop elements in her clean vocals, something that existed even since their debut, but here this element overfowls. In the past the songs had a more dark or symphonic aura, while in “Abyss” the modern version of AD INFINITUM took over. I will not hide that I was a little skeptical at first after I heard the first samples of the album.

In the end that “fear” never materialized! The soul of the band is not only intact, but we have their best version thanks to all the experience they have accumulated from their considerable touring presence, as well some members’ side activities (KAMELOT for Melissa, DOMINUM for Korbinian). Brutal vocals have not gone anywhere, same as the musical backbone AKA the metal instrumentation of the trio. Those elements remain unchanged, so “Abyss” brings both renovation and familiarity on the table. 

After many revisits, “Abyss” can be crowned as the most tight AD INFINITUM album. I won’t say it is their best as it is very subjective at this point. For example I find some parts of “Chapter III” to be better, but in the end it could not maintain steam on the same levels as its very strong start. The case is different in the new record, take for instance the closing ‘Dead end’ that ended up on my top three songs. For the record, my top choice is undoubtedly ‘Anthem for the broken’ that is as cool as its name promises. 

The biggest win of the album is that despite bringing the Pop element forth, it does not sacrifice the inclusion of nice details to be discovered. It is a Metal release at its core that hides ample opportunities to headband and the vibes I got at times are similar to “Comalies” from LACUNA COIL. If we want to translate it as clearly as we can, it is a Metal album with ultra catchy vocals in a combination that is executed so well. The band steps on such thin lines between genres, yet their vision is so clear that they never falter.  

It would not be a proper review without praising the otherworldly performance of the frontwoman. The recent years have blessed us with two amazing voices, those being Adrienne Cowan (SEVEN SPIRES) and Melissa Bonny. The talent of both is on a whole other level and I would go as far as name them generation defining. This makes albums like “Abyss” important, as the vocal talent showcased is a very rare encounter.

My only comment is not an actual complaint to be fair, but rather a what-if I have in all their records. What would happen if AD INFINITUM let themselves more free and created more complicated structures instead of persisting on short duration tracks? The technical background is there, so it is just a matter of what the band wants to compose in the end. 

Will the album be received well by all their fans? It is up to each one to judge whether this somewhat evolved direction is for you. The fact is that AD INFINITUM are in their most mature phase and emerge as one of the leading forces of this new Alternative/Modern Metal sound they represent. And since the genre is not very explored yet, “Abyss” manages to sound very invigorating and why not, pave the way for more bands to emerge.

85/100

Pavlos Pavlakis