CARMERIA are a symphonic metal band who had a very different lineup when they got together in 2012. The band come from the city of Sydney in the state of New South Wales (Australia) and they can be defined as a mixture of gothic rock and prog-rock so it produces "a cathartic symphonic metal soundscape". The band's discography began with an EP called AWAKENING released in 2013 before there were a few singles in the years between 2016 - 2021. All of these singles were actually then put together for their debut album released in May 2021 called ADVANAE. This 12 track album begins with an intro namely "Advanae" which is the best intro to this album with classical elements.

These classical elements include a female vocalist whose voice fluctuates in the background of this track. This combined with a low end string arrangement directing a crescendo plus boomy percussive beats. The next track, "Morningstar" which I feel can be the backdrop of a fictional or fantasy styled film that also contains gothic influences from the symphonic elements. We can also hear the angelic voices with male vocals taking a solo excerpt not to mention the sudden growl in the vocals around the 3 minute mark.

"Carpe Noctem" keeps the continuity of synthetic gestures with piano especially, knowing that drums or guitar lead the full unison of all instruments. The inclusion of prog-rock elements embodied by the sustained instrumentation till the end. "En Rapture" stands out for its variation in rhythm and colorization yet we cannot forget the loud grumble of another growl. The electrifying guitar solos are commendable going into the next track.

"Relinquished" opens with a classical piano melody, ambient yet stunning drum parts. Vocals become more subtle in this track and the late arrival of guitar does add some brilliance to the track. "To Lead The Blind" marks the return of the progressive elements with the focus on the soundscape of this track. "Celestia" seems to capture the tone of the classical piano but the steady tempo allows each instrument to embellish wherever the listener expects it.

"Solaris" being one of the longer tracks, starts with guitar and woodwind instruments leading the narrative for full backing of drums, guitar + bass. The vocal harmonies adds sublime quality to this track which stretches over a wide range of on the audio spectrum. The correlation between piano and guitar provides that extra bite to this track. "Starfall"  reminds us of the soundscape shining through with an ideal texture of rhythm and synthetic movements. What I also hear is the possibility of double tracking or overdubbing of vocal layers. If this is true, it does emphasize the lyrical content.

In a previous track, the high quality of power metal was very subtle, now in "Veil Of Sanctitude '' we get more than we expected. Perhaps we hear hints of glam rock too, no doubt the symphonic  influence does this track justice. "Halo" with classical piano introducing the more dynamic approach. Prolonged guitar solos and keyboard opens our ears to the glissando effect of strings. "Eternity" is a suitable name as this track lasts 11 minutes or more. But this time the musicality is more sombre with acoustic guitar, electric guitar solos and deadly growl of vocals. The album finished the way it started with female chorale sound signals the end with the metal sound of a bell sustained to mark the end of this album. This album is jaw dropping to say the least but true to its cause, wow!