Visions Of Atlantis: Pirates

Symphonic Metal has over the years become a fairly saturated genre, and consequently the quality has at times suffered somewhat from over exposure.

So it takes something rather special these days to capture the ear and make one sit up and take note, and this is one such album.

12 pulsating tracks of prime Symphonic Metal that really ticks all the boxes without falling into any of the particular traps that can beset a genre that really come to the fore in the last 10 years or so. Vocalists Clementine and Michele Guaitoli are undoubtedly the stars of the show with performances that are off into the stratosphere at times and give the songs, which are already grandiose and demanding an even more powerful edge. The instrumentation is suitably big and expansive but does for the most part play second fiddle to the vocals.

Tracks such as album opener `Pirates Will Return` and `Master The Hurricane` positively thunder along with an assuredness that tells the listener that the band firmly believe in everything they are doing, although throughout there is enough light and shade that stop the intense riffing from getting too much at times, which is where the delicate vocals of Guaitoli are best displayed.

Elsewhere, the likes of `Clocks’, ‘Wild Elysium`, `Darkness Inside` and `Mercy` all hint at a more melodic side of the band and although still retaining the power, manage to convey an air of commerciality about them. The songs are invariably guitar driven, but the clever use of Keyboards...and flutes give the album more textures for the listener to luxuriate in.

An album that is an overwhelming success and one that the band can be justifiably proud of.

Track Listing
1. Pirates Will Return
2. Melancholy Angel
3. Master The Hurricane
4. Clocks
5. Freedom
6. Legion Of The Seas
7. Wild Elysium
8. Darkness Inside
9. In My World
10. Mercy
11. Heal The Scars
12. I Will Be Gone

Added: June 19th 2022
Reviewer: Malcolm Smith
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 493
Language: english

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