Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
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Just when you think symphonic/pirate metal icons Visions of Atlantis have outdone themselves and the industry with their 2022 release Pirates, prepare your minds, hearts, and ears for their upcoming album, Pirates II – Armada! This album not only sees the band fully embracing their identity as a pirate metal band but also showcases their most mature, heaviest, darkest, hopeful and most emotional work to date. With a bigger and more massive production than ever before, grandiose orchestrations that immerse the listener in an incredible voyage, killer guitar riffs and solos from Dushi, massive bass lines from Herbert, stellar drumming by Thomas, and emotional, powerful vocals from Meek and Clémi, Pirates II – Armada promises one of the best musical journeys you’ve experienced in quite a while.
Take the album openers: the intro “To Those Who Chose to Fight” evokes the eerie imagery of a ship emerging through thick fog at night, with Delauney’s haunting yet beautiful, almost siren-like vocals luring the listener into an unforgettable journey filled with strength, determination, and emotion, seamlessly blending into “The Land of the Free,” which features intense orchestrations and an anthemic call to find your own freedom.
“Monsters,” released as the second single/music video in May of this year, embarks on an eerie and haunting musical odyssey. It captivates with introspective verses that give way to powerfully catchy choruses, exploring the inner monsters we all face. Meanwhile, “Tonight I’m Alive” showcases the pirates’ ability to get even the toughest metal heads dancing with its uplifting, melodic track that pulses with rhythm and grooves, set against the backdrop of treacherous seas on the eve of battle.
“Armada,” the first sneak peek into this new chapter that fans heard back in March, exploded onto the scene as an intense first single and music video. It showcases some of the heaviest guitars we’ve heard from the band, alongside massive orchestrations. The small yet powerful choir, created by the whole band and shouting “Hail Jolly Roger! 🏴☠️” and “Armada!”, create an electrifying atmosphere that encapsulate the spirit of adventure and camaraderie on the high seas. The song’s blend of aggressive guitars, epic orchestrations, and spirited chants by the band-made choir marks it as a standout stadium-ready anthem, that fans are already massively singing along to live.
“The Dead of the Sea” offers a profound message of introspection and emotional depth. One of the band’s most cinematic and epic tracks, boasting incredible melodic arrangements, powerful orchestrations, and exploring themes of regret and the consequences of personal actions, urging us to take responsibility. Amidst turmoil and inner conflict, there’s a resolute determination to face challenges head-on, accompanied by a growing sense of remorse and acceptance for the pain caused, even inadvertently. Similarly, “Ashes to the Sea” poignantly portrays themes of loss, resilience, and honoring memories, adding another layer to the album’s introspective journey. Guaitoli & Delauney’s vocals on these two tracks are at the pinnacle of emotional depth and beauty.
“Hellfire,” undoubtedly the heaviest track the band has ever written, bursts with intense strings, heavy riffs, and intense drumming, showcasing Caser fully unleashed. His incredible drumming drives the song forward with precision and power, while Delauney’s vocal range is effortlessly pushed to its limits. The song embodies a fierce battle against deceit and falsehoods. In contrast, “Collide” and “Magic of the Night” present a more pop-influenced direction, featuring irresistibly catchy melodies that linger in your mind long after listening.
“Underwater” slows the pace with a haunting yet beautiful ballad that explores how pain and despair can lead to an overwhelming sense of paralysis and drowning. The lyrics, “you are the fire that keeps me alive,” highlight the person or thing that provides the strength and motivation to keep pushing forward, offering a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. The delicate instrumentation and poignant vocals create an intimate and emotional atmosphere, allowing listeners to connect deeply with the message. Contrastingly, the album closer, “Where the Sky and Ocean Blend,” is a massive symphonic metal onslaught that embarks on a profound journey of life and self-discovery. This epic track combines powerful orchestration and intense metal elements, creating a soundscape that captures the endless quest for understanding and meaning. The song’s sweeping melodies and dynamic shifts mirror the highs and lows of personal growth, inviting listeners to join in the journey of exploring the depths of existence and the vastness of the human spirit.
Visions of Atlantis have seemingly been at the top of their game since Pirates, and while some may have thought that album marked the pinnacle of their growth, it was clearly just the beginning. Pirates II – Armada represents their strongest and most cohesive work to date, both lyrically and musically. The band has achieved a remarkable balance, blending powerful storytelling with intricate compositions, showcasing their evolution and maturity. Delauney and Guaitoli’s vocal versatility is on full display, and Douscha (Dushi), Glos, and Caser have never been tighter as musicians. This album not only solidifies their status in the Pirate/Symphonic Metal scene but also pushes the boundaries of their creativity, highlighting the limitless nature of their abilities. Pirates II – Armada is possibly the album that will fully break them out globally, and I’m excited to see what the future brings!
VERDICT: 4.5/5
Ethereal Metal 
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