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VISIONS OF ATLANTIS - TRINITY
NAPALM RECORDS
METAL TO INFINITY
Inspired by the enigma of the lost city, the Austrian band Visions Of Atlantis started back in the Y2K with the intention to create hymn-like tracks in a symphonic metal direction. Pretty soon, a first demo was recorded, followed by the debut album ''Eternal Endless Infinity'' in 2002. Originally limited as a release for the German, Austrian and Suisse market, the band succeeded to get the album in the stores throughout Europe, Soviet Union, Korea, Japan, Brazil, the USA and mostly whole Latin America. The response was impressive and the band was able to promote their first output on a large set of stages. The band was able to open for bands like Nightwish, Edenbridge, Katatonia and Fintroll, followed by some major gigs on summer festivals in Europe and South Korea.
In the year 2003, the first problems with the line up occurred, and the search for a new keyboard player and vocalist took place. Mario Planck was found to handle the microphone and his male voice in combination with a female opponent resulted in varied and impressive lyrical structure that gives a good well-balanced shade with the musical direction of the band. The band signed with Napalm Records and released their second output ''Cast Away'', followed by a tour with Epica all over Europe.
Nearly 2 years later, three members of the band left V.o.A., and Wolf K. on guitars, Martin Harb on keys and Melissa Ferlaak on vocals joined the band. The soprano voice of Melissa resulted in a renewed and adapted approach, which delighted the loyal fans of the band. With this line up, the band teamed up and recorded their third output, with the suiting title ''Trinity''. The symphonic style of Visions Of Atlantis is packed in a nice piece of artwork by Anthony Clarksson (Blind Guardian) and also links with the title of the new output. The recordings took place in Munich’s Dreamscape Studio, and the band worked together with sound engineer Jan Vacik.
Mastering of ''Trinity'' happened at Finnvox Studios and the overall sound of the album is just perfect! The first track ''At The Back Of Beyond'' starts with a heavy and maintaining speed that gives both vocalists all the needed time to interact with each other and the chorus line lingers on. The next track is ''The Secret'' where Mario Plank sings with a less heavy voice, but again interacts very well with Melissa. That's exactly how this album laps the 47 minutes away, and the variety in the 11 songs gives a satisfying result. ''The Poem'' is an easy listening track that contains a threatening chorus, to switch over in ''Nothing Left'' with a prominent part for Martin Harb his keyboards.
Fans of symphonic metal with a good melody line and alternating vocals between a beauty and the beast need to check the new Visions Of Atlantis. If you want to hear the female vocals first, I advice to listen to track 8 ''Return To You'', because this gave me gooseflesh! Dim the lights close your eyes and sit back with the volume on 10. A touching and movingly moment of deep inner self thinking that last for + 5 minutes! Simplicity honors!!! My rating: 92/100
Patrick de Sloover on behalf of Metal To Infinity Webzine