Review Summary: They keep climbing up.
Ad Infinitum’s new album is symphonic metal, but more importantly a pop album. Chapter III - Downfall does not go classical, it goes modern. Strings and such things take up residence, but hooks are leaders. It’s not a huge surprise they would go in this direction, their symphonic metal in the previous album was already showing signs of leaning towards a larger plunge in pop. The result is something much more Amaranthe inspired than Within Temptation. Long story short — it rules.
Poppy pop does not clutter the album, it is the righteous direction, infusing Ad Infinitum with life. It allows their singer to show off vocally, giving notes with the grace and pinache of a true pop singer. Following djent inspired guitars go with the flow beautifully, and give shredded hooks with astounding variety, and a seismic bum drop. Catchiness is generously included from the verses to choruses with nary a dull moment, save for when the album ended. Haters of pop in metal be damned, these are modern times, you can stop pretending to hate pop now.
I’ll be listening to this on repeat, and no one can stop me. No one will, for this kind of music is good for all types of humans. There’s enough aggression to keep the listener awake yet enough beauty to make a Grandma say, “Aww isn’t that nice?”. The lead vocalist of Ad Infinitum - Melissa Bonny - has a gorgeous voice already, but add strings (which are added) and my heart melts like a sad, pretty candle in the shape of a Panda.
It’s time to level some critiques. This album is completely pandering. Metal is certainly on hand, but the symphonic side is generic as all heck. There are ways to give the magnitude of a movie score, and Ad Infinitum largely sidestep those methods in this new release. Certain Indian music influenced tracks show a little personality, but Ad Infinitum’s new personality overall is mainly pop metal with a decent-to-nice coating of symphonic painting. It may cater to modern crowds but I expected more.
My final thought? The album is justified. The poppier direction is meant to be, suiting Melissa Bonny perfectly. Also, it’s a gorgeous album from head to toe. It may not have operatic vocals, a gothic tone, or blasted horns, but they’re not needed. Chapter III is purely enjoyable, perfectly balanced, and produced great. Extras are not necessarily needed, the album is lovely enough already. Be cool like me and blast this one in your car, your ears will thank you.
