It’s common today to hear bands using a modern set of instrumental tunes to improve their musical efforts, and maybe to reach younger fans. And since many acts between 2005 and 2010 used such strategy and earn commercial success (as EVANESCENCE), more and more are those trying such ways. One of them is the young Swiss quartet AD INFINITUM, as can be heard on “Abyss”, the band’s latest full-length. The band hired Christoffer Stjerne (producer) and Jacob Hansen (producer, recordings, mixing and mastering) to help them to reach a new level on their musical efforts (as “Abyss” is their fifth album).

The sonority is the right one for the band’s music, because it bears the modern aggressiveness along with the definition for the hearers’ understanding, and all in a great way. And the artwork of Stefan Heilemann fits perfect on the musical work of the quartet. The band’s music can be described as a form of Symphonic Metal/Rock with a modern outfit. It can be said as it bears the aggressiveness of modern tendencies on the recordings (due the greasy tunes used on the guitars and bass guitar), but contrasting with tender melodies and deeper parts where the clean tunes of Melissa’ voice gains power (even on the harsh screams). The resemblances with EVANESCENCE stop when one is confronted with the quartet’s personality, because they have many aspects that are different from the North American group, especially when dealing with the melodic accessibility in many points.

All the ten songs of “Abyss” are excellent (11 if you get the earbook version, where there’s an orchestral version for “My Halo”), and the highlights are “My Halo” (excellent melodies with some modern aspects and some radio-friendly elements, and what amazing singing), “Follow me Down” (a cathartic moment with greasy guitar riffs and arrangements under a melodic and accessible appeal, especially on the chorus), “Aftermath” (pay attention to some nasty screams and to the fine keyboards parts), “Euphoria” (a fine and accessible moment, with emphasis on the keyboards and on the melancholic and deep clean moments guided by the vocals), “The One You'll Hold on To” (a dynamical and modern song, with a very good presence of bass guitar and drums), and “Dead End”.

Well, “Abyss” is here to take AD INFINITUM to the band’s next level, and they deserve it due its talent. Take a bite!