Ad Infinitum – Chapter I: Monarchy [2020]
Ad Infinitum Chapter I: Monarchy Track List
Chapter I: Monarchy, the debut album by multinational symphonic metal band Ad Infinitum, was released on April 3, 2020 via Napalm Records. The history of Ad Infinitum began with the solo project of the vocalist of Rage of Light – Melissa Bonny. In November 2018, she recorded her debut single, I Am the Storm, with the help of guest musicians, including Delain's guitarist Timo Somers. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the band included drummer Niklas Müller and guitarist Adrian Theßenvitz from Germany, and Jonas Asplind, bassist Follow the Cipher from Sweden. In 2019 he was signed to Napalm Records. Despite the title, this is not a concept album, but rather just the first chapter. However, the main storyline is the life of Louis XIV and his court. All performers wear plague masks. Chapter I: Monarchy has managed to combine all the best components of symphonic and power metal with great theatrical performance. The key to the unique and immersive sound of Ad Infinitum lies in their ability to create and sustain absolutely colossal dynamics without making heavy music their basis. Impressive and clear sound allows all those menacing riffs, low-frequency vibrations and fast accelerations to propel songs forward. And professional mixing, with an emphasis on melody and orchestration, gave the music a sense of lightness and ease. All things considered, Chapter I: Monarchy is the solid debut album by a talented group of musicians, introducing a new facet of symphonic metal. It is light and melodic, grandiose and mesmerizing, with a flawless and balanced sound. On December 4, 2020, the group released Chapter I Revisited, an acoustic version of their debut album, which was released digitally. At the same time, Jonas Asplind left the band due to knee problems. He was replaced by Korbinian Benedict as the new bassist.