ALBUM REVIEW: Chapter II – Legacy – Ad Infinitum

Music, no matter the genre, has such a power over anyone who listens. It can be epic, grand, larger-than-life, and one to give the listener goosebumps. One such genre that can encompass this is power metal, and Swiss band AD INFINITUM aim to deliver on such sounds in their latest album, Chapter II – Legacy. It’s their third overall release, following 2020’s Chapter I – Monarchy and an acoustic version of that album. So, does this band rise to the occasion with this new outing, or do they flounder and fall?

Not only do they rise to the occasion, they soar high and deliver amazing and solid tracks throughout the album. From beginning to end, Legacy produces nothing short of powerful, gripping, energetic and stunning pieces of music that will captivate anyone who decides to listen to them. Right from the get-go Reinvented starts with beautiful guitar riffs, strings that add body and depth to the song, and stunning vocals delivering captivating lyrics. It not only introduces the listener to the sound and band, it welcomes them into the world AD INFINITUM have created, making this journey feel like one epic rock opera for the ages. 

Inferno and Your Enemy are examples of the album where the lyric writing is brilliant and captivating, especially in the latter’s dark but stunning poetry of “Dancing in twilight only with my demons”. The music is virtuosic, ethereal, and atmospheric, and likes to take a lot of risks – exemplified by the use of harpsichord in songs like Afterlife and Haunted. Animals stands out as a top track, with the blend between the main guitar riff and the additional string section creating a fierce song to jam out to. Another top track is Into The Night. If this album was a rock opera, then this song would be that classic villain song. With the lyrics discussing power within oneself, in addition to the brilliant unclean vocals and driving rhythms underneath the song, it’s one of the record’s finest moments.

The only criticism is more of a nitpick, but the final track, Lullaby, whilst brilliantly written and performed on the record, feels too much for the song’s theme. There are too many layers within the song that it doesn’t feel right to hear, it should be stripped back into a softer song to fit this theme. However, the song is still executed nicely; the drumming is top notch and the vocals are, once again, absolutely beautiful. It’s still a great song regardless and a good closer to the album.

Overall, this is one power metal record not to miss out on. If Jim Steinman had decided to make metal music in his time, it would definitely sound something like this. Orchestral, anthemic, and beautiful, the term ‘sophomore slump’ does not exist anywhere near this band. AD INFINITUM have outdone themselves on this album, and only the best can be expected from now on, especially if there is a Chapter III somewhere down the line.

Rating: 9/10

Chapter II – Legacy is set for release on October 29th via Napalm Records. 

Like AD INFINITUM on Facebook.