The Essence of Infinity

There are some pretty ignorant individuals out there in the world that have this fallacious presumption that a writer's job is a simple one. Being in the literary field myself, I can testify with an undying conviction that this is hardly the case. To be perfectly blunt, it's usually when the topic is of an utterly god awful album/band that seems the easiest to critique/bash. It's an entirely different affair when it comes to an album that is nearly perfect in every aspect. Some writers have buckled under the pressure of how to accurately and justly describe such works, and have since retired their pens. Bewilderment reigns victorious as the wordsmith is defeated by a complete loss for, well, words.

It's been more than a month now, and this very same problem has been plaguing me with this Of Infinity EP. At one point, I actually started doubting my own abilities, because I have written many a discourse on other acts in the meantime, but every time I return to the disc in question, thinking that I am going to kick out a review for it, there forms an impenetrable mental block. I mean, seriously, how can I do such an amazingly addictive work of art proper justice? That's when I realized that the answer had been with me all along; I can't! For as much as I feel others need to hear this band, I have to at least attempt to give the readers a roundabout idea of what to look forward to when they blast the EP on their stereo. At this moment, I am lacking confidence, but I'll give it my best shot. Fingers don't fail me now! Here it goes...

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Of Infinity have certain standout attributes in their sound that resemble a few other bands in the darker realms of music. Elis, Within Temptation, and The Gathering may be fitting comparisons to grab the ear of fans in that particular scene. Splicing some of the musical DNA stylings of the aforementioned acts, Of Infinity more or less reintroduce the listener to some familiar elements, all the while utilizing a technique that is mostly all their own. They are far from being another clone band. This self-financed three track demo EP, aptly titled The Essence Of Infinity, warrants imminent success.

Captivating female vocals, provided by the lead enchantress, Alessandra Zinicola, are not far off from those used in Sirenia or Therion. Without the presence of overdone harsh male vocals, or any male vocals for that matter, The Essence Of Infinity is focused around stunning compositions. The music is heavy, however, brutality is nowhere to be found. There is no room for that among this beauty. It's almost possible to believe that ex-Tristania frontman Morten Veland may have had a hand in the creation of these pieces, and rightly so. Though he has nothing to do with Of Infinity, the disc exudes his trademark style; That is, semi progressive drumming that backs crunching guitars that are topped with piano and violins. Acoustics find their way into the mix, frequently layering over other guitar segments.

It goes without saying, Of Infinity is an excellent band and The Essence Of Infinity is a remarkable recording, backed by the fact that it is independent and well produced. So, in knowing all of this, I can now only hope that this review has been helpful in your deciding whether or not this is something you'd be interested in. Do yourself the honor and pick this disc up. I could have sat here writing and editing for days and still would have never come up with a solid enough summary. I recently viewed another chronicle for the disc elsewhere that seemed to sum up The Essence Of Infinity better than I ever could have, and I would like to take this opportunity to quote/borrow a one word description... EARGASM!