Artist: Visions Of Atlantis 
   Title: Trinity
   Label: Napalm Records

'Trinity', the 3rd full-length release by Austria's Visions of Atlantis, blends together a combination of operatic vocals, sublime guitars, and a thundering rhythm section, complimented by a hugely atmospheric background.  While it is unfair to make comparisons to other bands due to the fresh sound of 'Trinity', it is impossible to listen to this band without immediately thinking of their former touring partners - Nightwish.  

Similar to Nightwish, Visions of Atlantis boast both male and female vocalists, with both Mario Plank and Melissa Ferlaak bearing an uncanny resemblance to their counterparts in the Nightwish of old. If truth be told, it would be hard to distinguish one band from another if unaware that it was in fact two different bands, but I for one am not complaining, as this album has picked up exactly where Nightwish's 'Once' left off. Leaving these comparisons far behind, 'Trinity'is a truly fantastic album.

Album opener 'At The Back Of Beyond' sets the bar to a high standard which stays constant throughout the album.  A classic metal opener complete with explosive keyboard/guitar intro, and of course a dangerously catchy chorus. Both 'The Secret' and 'Passing Dead End' carry on the quality shown in the aforementioned track and both showcase the fantastic use of the male vocals with Ferlaak’s operatic work.  

In this day and age it would be seen as absolutely criminal for any Power Metal band to omit a lighters aloft, potential tear jerker of a ballad, and here Visions of Atlantis have played it safe with the majestic 'The Poem', which features male vocalist Mario Plank’s heartfelt vocals almost exclusively.  

'Nothing Left' brings the tempo back to where it started off, another bombastic rocker laden with flowing synth and a guitar tone which most guitarists would give their right arm for; polished production is really one of the most fantastic things since bread because sliced, at least for Euro Metal enthusiasts like myself.  The mid tempo “My Dark Side Home” offers a chorus packed with emotion and perhaps even a gentle poignancy to some, while possibly the heaviest song present on 'Trinity', 'Wing Shaped Heart' would not sound out of place on any album by the Finns mentioned earlier on.

Melissa Ferlaak’s vocals are showcased on the extremely mellow and reflective 'Return to you', as she recites an almost mournful performance, accompanied by a soft piano. 'Through My Eyes' sees Ferlaak and Plank trading off each other perfectly, and also gives us a breathtaking falsetto from the American female vocalist. Perhaps the albums finest moments occur in the closing two tracks. 'Flow This Desert' is the most musically driven song off the album, with addictive guitar melodies and harmonies, while closer 'Seven Seas' sees Ferlaak deliver her finest performance on the album with a beautiful flowing chorus, carrying on through to the albums finish.

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