Ad Infinitum – A New Discovery in Symphonic Metal
Every so often, an album arrives that completely takes you by surprise—an album from a band you’ve somehow missed, only to discover they already have a huge and loyal following. That was the case for me with Ad Infinitum, a Swiss symphonic metal band whose new album Abyss has completely captivated me.
Despite being a new band to me, Ad Infinitum have already become a major presence in the modern symphonic metal scene, with tens of thousands of YouTube subscribers and a rapidly growing global fanbase. Their blend of cinematic metal, melodic hooks, theatrical contrasts, and extreme-vocal drama puts them in the same lineage as Within Temptation, Epica, Delain, Beyond the Black and even hints of Opeth—but with a very distinctive character all their own.
Their latest album, Abyss, released on Napalm Records, might just be one of the most exciting crossover metal albums of 2025.
Who Are Ad Infinitum? – Band Background
Ad Infinitum formed in Switzerland and Germany in 2018, originally as the solo project of vocalist Melissa Bonny, before quickly shifting into a full symphonic metal quartet. Their debut album Chapter I: Monarchy (2020) announced them as a band with huge potential, combining gothic atmosphere, orchestral drama, and heavy riff-driven metal.
The follow-up, Chapter II: Legacy (2021), expanded their sound further with more groove-driven guitars and a darker tone, while their acoustic re-imagining album Chapter I Revisited demonstrated just how creative and adaptive the band could be.
They are now regarded as one of the fastest-rising modern bands in the genre, known for their impeccable production values, explosive live shows, and—most significantly—the extraordinary versatility of Melissa Bonny.
Band Members
Melissa Bonny – Vocals
Renowned for her stunning clean vocals and astonishingly powerful death-growls. She has also performed with Kamelot, Serenity, Warkings and more.
Adrian “Adi” Thessenvitz – Guitars
A guitarist equally skilled in crushing modern riffage and melodic, emotive lead work.
Korbinian Benedict – Bass
Provides the weight, groove, and low-end thunder that underpins the band’s modern metal edge.
Niklas Müller – Drums
Dynamic, precise and groove-focused, with immaculate syncopation and stop–start riff/drum locking.
The band are deeply embedded in the modern European symphonic metal scene, and Abyss feels like the moment where everything they’ve been building reaches full maturity.
‘Abyss’ – Packaging & First Impressions
For collectors, the Napalm Records vinyl edition is beautifully done:
Gatefold sleeve
Black vinyl
Poly-lined inner sleeves (always a win!)
Lyric sheet + band photo
It’s also available on CD for those who prefer the format.
But let’s get to the music—because Abyss is an album that defies expectations from the first track onward.
Abyss – Track-by-Track Impressions
A Genre-Blending, Emotion-Driven Metal Masterpiece
My Halo
A dramatic opener with a Within Temptation-like atmosphere—powerful, melodic, accessible. I began the album thinking: “Ah, I know where this is going.”
I was wrong.
Follow Me Down
A killer riff drives this one—pure adrenaline. Melissa’s vocal is crystal clear, emotional, soaring. One of the most immediate songs on the album.
Outer Space
The first real shock. Gut-wrenching death vocals suddenly cut in—only for the song to shift into melodic metal beauty. I assumed it must be a guest vocalist.
It isn’t.
Melissa does both. Effortlessly.
This alone will blow the minds of anyone new to the band.
Aftermath
Thunderous, rolling, stop–start riffs. Heavy, dense, theatrical, and full of emotion.
Euphoria
Angst-driven with rich dynamics, combining aggression with vulnerability.
Side Two – Even More Surprises
Surrender
A pulsating, atmospheric song with huge crossover potential. This could appear on a Spotify rock playlist, a TV soundtrack, or even a sci-fi series like Stranger Things.
Modern, accessible, haunting—and still heavy.
Anthem for the Broken
One of my favourites.
Starts with a piano and a beautiful, fragile vocal before exploding into sludgy guitars and a soaring guitar solo. This track showcases the emotional heart of the band.
The One You’ll Hold On To
Gorgeous echo-tinged vocals, tight rhythmic interplay, detuned riffing and pinched harmonics. A masterclass in modern symphonic metal arrangement.
Parasite
Intense, theatrical, dramatic—a conversation between Melissa’s clean and death vocals. Heavy yet incredibly catchy.
I jokingly noted in my review:
Is “death-pop” a genre? Because this might be it.
Dead End
A perfect closer with galloping bass, drums, dramatic vocal interplay and huge energy.
Live, this will be an absolute whirlwind.
Ad Infinitum have found a rare sweet spot between:
Symphonic metal
Modern melodic metal
Commercial rock hooks
Cinematic atmosphere
Extreme metal vocal contrast
Tight, muscular, modern riffing
Unlike some symphonic metal bands who lean heavily into orchestral arrangements, Abyss is song-driven, emotional, compact and incredibly memorable.
Every track invites repeat listening.
And crucially: the growls are used theatrically, not relentlessly—which means even listeners who aren’t fans of death vocals will still find this album accessible.
This is a breakthrough album that could easily pull listeners from outside the metal world into something much heavier.
Abyss by Ad Infinitum is one of the most surprising and thrilling symphonic metal albums I’ve heard in a while. For me, discovering them at this stage of their journey is a joy—this is a band with sky-high potential and the talent to cross genres, generations, and listener boundaries.
If you love Within Temptation, Epica, Delain, Nightwish, Arch Enemy, or even heavier bands like Opeth, this album will absolutely resonate with you.
A phenomenal record from a band I’m very glad to have finally discovered.
Remember: music is the healer and the doctor.
ORDER YOUR COPY ON CD
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
