AD Infinitum Chapter II: Legacy

"Symphonic metal onslaught AD INFINITUM are no stranger to the scene. With their spellbinding debut album, Chapter I - Monarchy (2020), brought to life in the middle of a global pandemic, the foursome reached millions of plays on streaming platforms and the intoxicating video for first single "Marching on Versailles" has gathered over 1.7M video views to date. In addition, frontwoman Melissa Bonny is consistently drawn to exciting musical collaborations, like her recent feature with FEUERSCHWANZ - which has already gained over 2.4 million views on YouTube since its release. Now, she sets her focus back to her main musical force as AD INFINITUM, with Adrian Thessenvitz (guitars), Korbinian Benedict (bass) and Niklas Müller (drums), will unveil its new opus, Chapter II - Legacy. The unit has built a creative blueprint for themselves, choosing to self-produce the second album independent from any producer influence during the writing process. Instead, they teamed up with orchestrator Elias Holmlid and Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Epica, Amaranthe and many more), who manned the amazing recording (vocals), mix, post production and mastering duties. Chapter II - Legacy surprises with a melting pot of different influences and a contrast between super heavy riffs, a sometimes even djent/metalcore-like touches and catchy hook lines and melodies, giving the band's sophomore album a modern and equally timeless touch without losing their personal signature. The lyrics of Chapter II - Legacy have, just like for their debut album, been inspired by a historical figure. The paradoxical life and afterlife of Vlad The Impaler, also known as Dracula, inspired the themes and questions of this album. The duality between heroic actions and the barbarity resulting from them, between one's actions and the intentions behind them versus the collateral damages, and the myths born following one's death. To some he was a hero protecting his land against the Ottoman Empire, but to others, he was a violent and heartless monster. And, for many, he is the father of all vampires. Chapter II - Legacy once again showcases the indispensable creativity of AD INFINITUM - featuring twelve complex, marvelous tracks highlighting their sonic development and undeniable symphonic strength. Such talent can be witnessed with opener "Reinvented", lurking with lovely piano tunes and erupting in intense riffage in the blink of an eye. Right away, the music reflects the extremely multifaceted voice of Melissa Bonny - ranging from crystal clear vocals to impressively powerful screams and menacing growls. Vibrant "Unstoppable" glows like a warm flame in a dark night with intense orchestration, leading into dramatic mid-tempo epos "Inferno" shortly after. Hailing from hell, hard-hitting "Afterlife" features the vocal power of Nils Molin (Amaranthe, Dynazty), merging in perfect harmony with Melissa's incredibly haunting delivery. Songs like "Your Enemy" or cinematic grand finale "Lullaby" leave no scope for weakness and unveil the heaviest side of AD INFINITUM to date. This grasping hymn is far from lulling you to sleep, as the eclectically versatile sonic world of AD INFINITUM immediately induces you to listen to Chapter II - Legacy again, right from the beginning!"