Female-fronted symphonic/goth metal bands typically originate from Europe, so it should come as no surprise that Veritas Infinita hail from the Netherlands. The Essence of Life is the second release from the band as they look to expand their sound.
“Quest for Light” opens up the album and as one might expect with symphonic metal, it has a rather extended atmospheric keyboard-laden opening. Actually the entire 5:26 of the track is instrumental and essentially a long intro track. “Gods Without a Heart” starts up immediately after with a very metallic guitar riff that continues until the vocals start. Once the vocals start the guitar shifts initially into a choppy, staccato-type riff that eventually picks up into a continuous riff. Vocals are clean and melodic, just as one would expect for the genre. They do feel a bit restrained, almost too in polished and controlled. The overall mix is interesting as the guitar sound is a bit more raw and toward the forefront in the mix compared to other symphonic bands. Vocals and guitars are the most prevalent of the instruments.
“Today’s World” changes things up a bit and moves toward the territory of Eluveite with the incorporation of some traditional instruments in the opening of the track. Unfortunately, they are not carried continually through the rest of the track. They do return after the verse sections , but I think they really could have provided some good texture if carried throughout the song as they would have complemented the vocals nicely. Maybe I’ve been listening to too much folk metal lately? This song does illustrate the overall smoothness and polished sound of Veritas Infinita. To my ears though, it is overly smooth and polished and seems to lack some intensity. Keep in mind, though, this is coming from a guy who regularly listens to punk and hardcore where rawness is a good thing.
My least favorite track on the album would be “Like an Eagle”, which starts out with a wilderness setting and sounds of an eagle screeching and flying. The song in general has more of a power metal feel to it and overall doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the songs on the album. “Bloodbrothers” brings back some traditional instruments and again uses them sparingly, opting for the guitar to carry most of the song. The song itself rumbles along nicely and is very well constructed, featuring a keyboard and guitar solo in the vein of bands like Rainbow.
The album ends on a calm note with the song “Through God’s Eyes” featuring primarily piano and vocals. For such a track the song starts out somewhat quietly but builds as it progresses with the vocals becoming stronger and some bass guitar joining in the background . This song is perhaps the best one that displays Linda Augustinus’ beautiful vocals and range and has the emotion that seems lacking from many of the other songs on the album. The song itself has a praise and worship feel to it but does not feel out of place and provides a fitting close to the album.
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01. Quest For Light
02. Gods Without A Heart
03. United
04. Todays World
05. Like An Eagle
06. Bloodbrothers
07. Before It’s Time
08. The Fight
09. Through Gods Eyes
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