Adagio
Underworld

After the release of the much-praised "Sanctus Ignis," the French quintet tries again, two years later, with "Underworld". Only 8 new tracks await the eager listener... was it worth waiting all this time?
Definitely yes! Because this new album once again contains a skillful mix of progressive metal and power sounds, without neglecting the characteristic neo-classical elements that add the right touch of elegance and lightness. All this without counting the numerous technical virtuosity that embellish the "musical canvas" of each track.

The first track, "Next Profoundis", immediately opens with a piano virtuosity executed by new keyboardist Kevin Codfert that certainly does not make us miss the previous Richard Andersson. Despite its almost 8 minutes, the track glides pleasantly to the end, thanks also to the exceptional musical variety within it: ranging from classical arpeggios on the piano to very power metal, from long guitar solos to almost psychedelic parts. It is followed by "Sovent Saeclum in Favilla" and its solemn choral which soon gives way to Stephan Forté's powerful guitar and David Readman's gritty voice.

"Chosen" and "From My Sleep To Someone Else", two more tracks with a fierce and obsessive rhythm, drag the listener to "Underworld", the longest track on the album. "Underworld" opens with a long overture that sets the atmosphere for the impetuous entrance of the guitar, drums, and piano, which sketches particular shaded arpeggios on the "hits" of its companion. It is then the task of numerous virtuosos to escort everything to the conclusion.

Thus opens a very sweet and fascinating love ballad: "Promises". The only track on the CD that can be considered a true slow song, in which Readman sings the sufferings of a love distanced. Two tracks follow, "The Mirror Stage" and "Niflheim", with a darker flavor, as evident from the opening of the former, where a synthesized arpeggio creates a decidedly mysterious atmosphere.

"Underworld" thus proves to be an album worthy of the previous "Sanctus Ignis," if not even superior. Indeed, it is a decidedly pleasant listen even for those who have never listened to a single note of metal (but who obviously have a certain musical flexibility). On the flip side, we perhaps have a lack of versatility of the album due to the average track length approaching 7 minutes. This might penalize the CD in terms of meeting with the general public. Despite everything, "Underworld" is an album that indubitably deserves to be listened to and to be part of the collection of lovers of the genre.