Album Review: Ad Infinitum - Chapter I: Monarchy

I've written many times about my issues with symphonic metal. I'll be brief in recapping, but far too often I hear symphonic bands that don't make the best use of their extra instrumentation. They will either add no drama to the proceedings, or the songs would be no different if the orchestrations weren't present. They exist as a candy coating on the chocolate; empty calories that make it look pretty, but don't taste like anything. Ad Infinitum is in a position to not change my opinion, but at least show me it isn't a hard-and-fast rule.

The two singles released before the record were everything that symphonic metal should be; foreboding and dramatic, with big swells that sashayed across the speakers with real flair. Couple that with the captivating vocals of Melissa Bonny and some stirring melodies, and Ad Infinitum sounds more than promising. They sound like what I have been waiting to hear for so long.

Unlike a certain symphonic metal band that no longer writes anything but the simplest, ham-handed riffs to serve as a basis for their prettier tinkling, Ad Infinitum's music has a heft and power to it befitting the extra adornment. The core of the band is powerful, so they don't get overpowered and swallowed when the strings and horns come in. They are both symphonic and metal, which isn't always the case.

It's details like the plunking of strings during the verse of "See You In Hell" that set symphonic metal apart. It's a completely different sound than you can create just with guitars, and it's blend of percussiveness with an organic harmonic is a necessary component. Far from being tacked on, it draws you further into the composition, focusing your attention on such a small detail that the swell of the chorus sounds even bigger by comparison. Ok, I'll go there; while there might be more wildly sophisticated elements to some of Nightwish's music, Ad Infinitum shows a more deft touch in putting all those elements to good use. They are a heavier band, and their music better written, than anything I've heard from Nightwish in recent years.

Whether it's the softer moments, or Bonny's occasional growls, the music does take us on the cinematic ride only appropriate for such large-scale music. The package might be compact, but Ad Infinitum packs a lot into these brief moments. There isn't any wasted space or time on the album, instead delivering tightly written tracks that are more focused on their power than their egos. There is no 'composer syndrome' to be found here. Everything is in service of the songs.

As you can tell, I found myself liking this record quite a bit. A collection of great songs with big melodies and heavy doses of drama is what I want out of symphonic metal, and it's what Ad Infinitum has given us. Of the two similar albums being released within an eight day span, it's a no-brainer which one I would choose. Nightwish might get more acclaim and attention, but Ad Infinitum is the better record. No doubt about it.