SERAPHIC is an Australian symphonic metal band hailing from Brisbane. Formed in 2014, Chrysalis is their second full-length album. Released independently on October 29, 2020, this is a really good example of what symphonic metal can be when done well.

The record starts with the eerie, ethereal "Beyond The Veil", a slow-burner that shows the depth of thought placed on the composition of the melodies. With string arrangements, piano, some drum pounding and just a quiet, calm feel, this is a precursor to the rest of the album, but does not give away the power that is to come with the rest of the songs.

"Garden Of Unearthly Delights" comes next and begins with a piano intro that features a tease of the guitar riff and the drummer throwing in a few hits to add texture. Once the song really kicks in, the guitars run wild and the drums/bass sprint away. The keyboards stay ever-present, but not over the top. There is a really good mixture of tones and textures that treat the listener to a nice aural experience. The guitar solo is complex without being ostentatious, a technique that demonstrates restraint and skill all at once.

"Shapeshifter" again starts with a piano, but when the main body arrives, the tone is much slower and melodic. The guitars still grind along and accentuate the song well. This is the song where the vocals first really go gritty. Sam Wolstenholme can go high or drop low, and this song needs both. There are also some growls underneath her vocals adding depth to the overall feel of the song.

 "Midnight" is another song that really fits into the theme of this record, but shows an expansion of the compositional talent of the writers. Here, we have the guitarists really working with each other, shifting tempos and changing gears a few times, adding just a but of progressive metal into the mix without straying from the base symphonic mix.

The next song, my early favorite on the record, is "The Phoenix". This is the uplifting song about rising from the ashes to become a better version of self. Some of the vocal tones used are higher and very reminiscent of the better female vocalists in the symphonic metal realm. The higher vocal range fits well in this song, especially with the male growls to offset them through the middle of the song. The "battle" between vocalists in this song is really captivating.

Wrapping the record up is the title track, "Chrysalis", a song about transformation. At over 8 minutes, it is the longest song on a record full of 6-7-minute, epic tunes. Singing about change is likely symbolic here as many bands grow and change from record to record. A slightly mellower tune than some of the others, this is a song that really highlights their ability to hang back and go for an extended song that builds to serious kick in the middle, a driving end section with a chill fade out.

Patrick and Raouf really play well together. Whether hammering out a rhythm together or playing counterpart to add to the sound, they never feel like they are clashing. Michael on bass and Daniel on drums provide a really solid bottom end that fits well in the overall compositions. Again, both are able to hang under the guitars, or they can step up and run right with them, note for note. Vocally, Sam can hold her own with some of the best in the business. I hear a lot of Floor Jansen (NIGHTWISH) in her choice of tones. That in itself is impressive.

This is a well-produced and mixed record from a very good band. This is one that will remain on my playlist. I will also be going back to check out their first record and anxiously wait for their next.