UNDERWORLD

This might not be an original idea in terms of musical approach and concept. Someone might claim that the kind of music Adagio plays is pretty similar with Rhapsody or even Symphony X - at least the way lead vocal sings is similar with Russel Allen of Symphony X. But that's not the case of "originality" that I want to talk here. Rather, I would see on the basis of composition (structure, melody, tempo), musicianship, and overall performance. With originality being an "untouched" factor, I can conclude that this album is a masterpiece of neo classical progressive metal. Why do I need to add "neo classical" in here? It's merely due to the fact that the Adagio music is heavily influenced and inspired by classical music. The band states it clearly at the liner notes on inspirations coming from legendary composers. Under this scheme I can see the influence of Yngwie Malmsteen music in this "Underworld" album. It's OK with me on this, especially Adagio raises the bar in their musical standards by advancing the music into the next level.

Oh yes, enjoying this album is like enjoying the music produced during the movie Lord of The Rings plus metal flavor, of course. From the opening track "Next Profundis" you can sense how the band will move forward in its musical journey, combining heavy side of rock music (metal) and orchestration in its best composition - almost perfect! It flows beautifully to next track "Introitus - Solvet Saeclum In Fadilla" (8:14) which introduces great choral line by "Ensemble Vocal De Lyon". It's quite ambitious to combine full choral line, orchestra and power metal with double pedal bass drum. The result is a brilliant music which is very enjoyable and mind boggling. The composition is very tight, supported by high quality vocal by David Readman, filled with stunning guitar fills and riffs by Stéphan Forté - the band's mastermind. The guitar solo part combined with acoustic guitar fills and keyboard work is truly brilliant. Prog metal ruleszzz.!!!

"Chosen" (7:52) proves that the band's existence in prog metal scene has a very strong base. The opening part is a piano work with really touchy melody combined with keyboard which makes up a symphonic style. What follows is a power metal music in fast tempo and it slows down a bit when vocal enters the music. Structurally, this song is relatively complex ( a bit) especially when it is combined with orchestra. Stéphan Forté really wants to prove that Adagio can take up a challenge being a beautifully orchestrated power metal music at par excellent with bands like Rhapsody.

"From My Sleep... To Someone Else" (6:37) takes a deeper classical approach with its colossal opening reminiscent of classical music. The piano work is truly excellent. I think Kevin Codfert is a very talented musician. The music then screams with high register notes in fast tempo and slows down a bit for lyrical part.

The title track "Underworld" (13.25) is another colossal approach suitable for the opening of a movie theater. The opening part creates great nuance that set the whole atmosphere of the song and also the album. It's grandiose and it's great. Having been brought with full orchestration, the band continues with sweet ballad with acoustic guitar as main rhythm section augmented with keyboard under "Promisses" (5:03). This song has a powerful melody. "The Mirror Stage" (6:31) continues the previous style of "Promisses" but this time with heavier style of power metal. The album concludes with an excellent instrumental "Niflheim" (8:10) plus bonus track "Missa Aterna" (6:37).

If you like Symphony X, Rhapsody, Yngwie Malmsteen, there is an excellent opportunity that you might like this album. Overall, this album is very enjoyable and very dynamic in terms of composition and overall performance. It's highly recommended. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, GW

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