The stage is immediately set with Chrigel Glanzmann of Eluveitie providing a poignant spoken word intro. Throughout there are hints and elements of folk metal, but it really comes together on the final track “Legends”. However, this could also indicate the band taking more chances on this third chapter in their development (or maybe I’m just overthinking things). Although the first album artwork was released before COVID, one could think this lines up nicely with life finally getting back to a more normal state. This chapter is the first to show Benedict, Müller, and Thessenvitz without plague doctor masks on the album art. Let’s not forget the ingenious pounding drums of Niklas Müller, which truly shines through during “Architect of Paradise”. Tracks like “From the Ashes” strongly showcase the amazing bass work of Korbinian Benedict, while “The Underworld” brandishes Adrian Thessenvitz’s masterful ability to go from a heavier guitar riff to a haunting lead with a soaring solo. The vocals aren’t the overbearing, dominant focus as is often the case instead, every instrument in the quartet is on display. This isn’t the only thing that differentiates them from other female fronted symphonic metal ensembles, though. While they certainly are not the first to do this, they are easily one of the best (right alongside Seven Spires). She even features a bit of sprechstimme, such as on “Ravenous”. One thing that sets Ad Infinitum apart from a lot of female fronted symphonic metal acts is the fact Melissa Bonny has not only a beautiful clean vocal style, but an amazing harsh range. The first taste of this newest chapter came a year after the second with “Upside Down” setting high expectations and anticipation. Since their explosion onto the symphonic metal scene they’ve released an acoustic version of said debut, then Chapter II – Legacy in October 2021, and now we have the third installment, Chapter III – Downfall. The wait was absolutely worth it though as evidenced by the captivating subject matter, eclectic vocals, hauntingly beautiful melodies, and rhythms that captured the listener from start to finish. Ad Infinitum teased their first release all the way back in November 2018 with their single “I Am The Storm” but then left us to wait until April 2020 for their full-length debut, Chapter I – Monarchy.
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