Visions of Atlantis - Delta

It’s been a while since anyone has heard from the Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis.  So, here’s what the band has been up to since their last album in 2007 in a nutshell: the female vocalist and guitarist leave in 2008, and the bass player gets replaced last year.  That would be the end, except the original female vocalist that the band had to replace the departed had an illness and was forced to drop out of the band, thus the second female vocalist change in between albums.  Now that the lineup situation has been cleared up (sort of), Visions of Atlantis is ready to move forward with a new album in Delta.  The results are actually better than expected, given all of the turnover.

The opening track “Black River Delta” is a strong opening track that sets the table for what is a strong symphonic metal album.  From that track onward, female vocalist Maxi Nil shows that she is a capable vocalist that can work well with male vocalist Mario Plank.   One song that shows Visions of Atlantis at their best is “New Dawn,” which is where the band shows what they can do when everything is being done with complete effort.  In between the tracks is the ballad-like “Memento,” a song that emphasizes the symphonic elements, incorporates operatic parts into the music, and is where Nil’s vocal range is tested.  Being that it’s the longest track on the album, it is also likely the song that determines if the listener will stick with the album until the end or decide to play something else.  “Conquest of Others” showcases Plank’s vocals, which have gotten better with every release since he joined the band for Cast Away in 2004.  Overall, Delta is the band’s best total effort since their debut Eternal Endless Infinity, which seems like a lifetime and many lineup changes ago.

Going into 2011, I had no idea what to expect from Visions of Atlantis.  The vocal change, which is their fourth (three on the female side and one on the male side) since their debut, can certainly be a reason for the uncertainty.  However, after listening to Delta, it seems that nothing can get this band off track.  Now, if only the band can maintain a stable lineup for the next album…

Release Date: February 25, 2011
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Black River Delta
2.  Memento
3.  New Dawn
4.  Where Daylight Fails
5.  Conquest of Others
6.  Twist of Fate
7.  Elegy of Existence
8.  Reflection
9.  Sonar
10.  Gravitate Towards Fatality

Total playing time:  43:44

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Peter

January 27, 2011