Album Review: Ad Infinitum – Abyss (Napalm Records)

Swiss/German modern metal frontrunners Ad Infinitum redefine their sound as they look to the future with their upcoming album, ‘Abyss’, out October 11th, 2024 via Napalm Records.

Having blown up in a short amount of time, the pressure is on Ad Infinitum to continue a rise that has been startling. Especially as they seem to still be evolving their sound and finding just where they fit in the grand metal scheme. Gone are the more symphonic elements in favour of a progressive metal style that is more anthemically focused. Ad Infinitum are eyeing up a new crowd of potential listeners with this record, that much is clear, and while it may alienate those who prefer the big symphonic sounds, it’s a loss worth suffering when you consider the likely popularity of this new record.

That’s not to suggest that the album doesn’t have lavish elements or weighty intense moments though. Variety… it’s the spice of life, and when it comes to a band as extravagantly creative as Ad Infinitum, it’s expected. Which does mean any overreaction to the melodramatic and pop-infused aspects of opener, My Halo, is unwarranted, but also understandable. Regardless of the lighter and accessible tone, this is still a piece of music with some real bite to it.

Alas, while Ad Infinitum are beloved for their imagination, a track like Follow Me Down can be simply summed as disappointing. A track lacking a spark and feeling so very run of the mill, even if there are some energised guitar parts. Thankfully, it’s a short-lived lull and Ad Infinitum’s impressive creativity is back with aplomb on Outer Space and Aftermath. Both showcasing a good balance of bludgeoning heaviness and epic alt-twisted melody, embodied by choruses that soar.

It’s an accessible poppiness (led by the vocals) and it continues to dominate much of the album, but often there’s some heavy parts hiding around the corner. This is still the case with Euphoria and Surrender, where their modern melodic-focused sound is front and centre, but there are flair ups of intensity, albeit in very limited form. The former’s chorus is one of the album’s best though and the latter has a wonderful switch to acoustic guitar right at the end.

Just more classic Ad Infinitum creativity on show. Who else could pull out an absolute barn-burner of a guitar solo in a cinematic track like Anthem for the Broken? One of the highlights of the album. Although there’s nothing wrong with something as manic as The one you’ll hold on to, Ad Infinitum delivering a robust pacey effort, and nothing wrong with Parasite or Dead End. The former finds the band in epic voice (and not just the incredible vocals) and the latter proves to be a delectably infectious effort with huge sounding synths.

Fancy picking up the Earbook version of the album? If you do, you’ll be treated to an extra track, a cool orchestral version of My Halo. Which is a nice but unnecessary bonus, as the album is more than substantial enough to satisfy most. Especially as it is abundantly clear the direction Ad Infinitum are going in now and how they are going to become even more successful.

Ad Infinitum – Abyss Track Listing:

1. My Halo
2. Follow me Down
3. Outer Space
4. Aftermath
5. Euphoria
6. Surrender
7. Anthem for the Broken
8. The one you’ll hold on to
9. Parasite
10. Dead End
11. My Halo (Orchestral Version)

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