UNDERWORLD

The second Adagio album "Underworld" is a good follow-up to the exceptionnal "Sanctus Ignis". Here the songs are longer... but the main difference with its predecessor is the greater complexity and diversity in the songs: more classical interludes, heavier and softer parts ranging from ballad to extreme metal (with even some growled vocals... yes).

The opener "Next Profundis" is classic Adagio: a symphonic intro with a piano interlude, a fast paced power metal melody, kickass guitar solos... and more piano interludes. "Introïtus/Solvet Saeclum In Favilla" starts with the classical choir... and when David Readman starts to sing it's totally flawless, adding power and emotion to the awesome melody. A short piano/organ part introduces the next song "Chosen" - maybe the most emotional song on this album although it's one of the fastest too (the guitar solo for example is surely one of the heaviest on the album). "From My Sleep... To Someone Else" starts in a classic way with a little piano/synth intro, but then... be prepared for something new - a few seconds of death metal growls! (don't fear, the rest of the song is classic Adagio, although it's maybe the heaviest song they ever wrote). The epic title track "Underworld" is THE masterpiece of the album - "Seven Lands Of Sins" was awesome, "Underworld" is simply amazing - a 5 minute intro with the choir, piano and sampled orchestra, and then the classic mid paced symphonic metal - Therion meets Michel Kamen - with softer parts, Queensrÿche like parts, a great guitar solo again and of course the great rock vocals (not mentioning the nice symphonic outro). The next song "Promises" is also something new for Adagio: a ballad - one of those crying songs heavy metal bands are so good at. "The Mirror Stage" is probably the most progressive song on the album - very complex melody and classical interludes, even the death growls make a small return at the end of the song. And what a great way to close the album with the 8 minute instrumental "Niflheim" - a good blend of orchestral passages and guitar performance by Stéphan Forté.

Rating: 96/100 (exceptionnal)