ALBUM REVIEW: The Deep & The Dark – Visions of Atlantis
In each genre there are some hidden gems within that blow you away as you are simply dazzled by the beauty. In symphonic metal, Austrian/French based VISIONS OF ATLANTIS fit that category remarkably well. Their upcoming release The Deep & The Dark is a stunning piece of art that will prove a worthy treat for fans of the band and symphonic metal in general.
The band’s roots began in the year 2000 in Austria, with the release of their debut Eternal Endless Infinity happening two years later. They have shared the stage with the likes of DELAIN and FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, have appeared at international festivals and have a strong discography. This sixth studio has been described as a collection of a powerful, perfectly executed magnum opus and from listening to the record, it’s easy to see why this album earnt this title. It’s been five years since the release of their last first full-length album and be assured, it’s well worth the wait.
The album begins with the title track The Deep & The Dark; vocalist Clémentine Delauney mentions that the lyrical content links strongly to being stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, negative thoughts and inner demons. It also looks at the notion of someone coming to help fight those insecurities with you since most of them are tough to fight them on your own. The hardest battles to fight are the ones with yourself. The song itself is very memorable with its sweeping arrangements and beautiful melody. It starts of like the beginning of a film soundtrack, introducing its grand song with fantastic verses and choruses that follow.
Struggling with those inner demons is one of the main concepts of this record and there are different songs demonstrating this. For example, The Grand Illusion looks at seduction into temptation; how we are drawn to things and people for the wrong reasons. The impactful chorus reinforces the message of temptation and seduction, it’s no secret that these two elements have a great impact on us and this majestic arrangement illustrates that well.
Their single Return To Lemuria is very positive, upbeat and in some ways, provides hope for those who lost the motivation to find a light at the end of the tunnel. It shows the incredible vocal work between vocalists Clémentine and Siegfried Samers as they harmonise well together and their voices creating a great fusion.
Now a VISIONS OF ATLANTIS album would not be complete without a stunning ballad. This comes in the form of The Last Home; it’s completely stripped of distortion from the guitars and the beats of the drums. Just a piano and Clémentine; this ballad will stop you in your tracks, it’s beautiful simplicity gives a great impact on the listener. It could easily be in the same league as their ballad Winternight. A lasting classic that will never be forgotten.
Overall The Deep & The Dark is a spectacular collection of memorable melodies that will provide some golden nuggets for those who are fans of the band and the genre of symphonic metal. This album is proof that VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are back and are in full swing, ready for business.
Rating: 9/10
The Deep & The Dark is set for release on February 16th via Napalm Records.
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