Patience can be a virtue in seeing a creative vision finally unleashed in proper form. Six years in the making, Advenae from Australian group Carmeria is the quintet’s first full-length – containing twelve tracks of symphonic gothic metal that encompasses a global swath of influences. Multiple lineup changes and directional shifts aside, the listeners will get to enjoy a style brimming with an array of cinematic, dynamic, and theatrical textures – as well as orchestration, natural instrumentation, and diverse clean/extreme vocal measures.
The obvious multi-octave prowess and sustained pitch control within the pipes of singer Jordan Von Grae has that mesmerizing quality to garner attention (and keep it) when taking in the verse/chorus hooks for “Carpe Noctem” and the contrasting quiet to bombast driven “Starfall”. Most ardent followers of the scene will savor the doppelgänger Roy Khan-ish similarities – the musical support having some Kamelot-ish qualities (think Epica and Karma period), but also taking in influence from Nightwish, HIM, even light rock/AOR-style acts like Supertramp or the Little River Band during those endearing vocal harmony-oriented sequences. The guitar/keyboard tennis match possesses that necessary tension to maintain interest for “Morningstar”, while the tender piano touches, acoustic strumming and supporting orchestration prop up the calmer, reflective melodies that “Celestia” needs as a poignant power ballad. While most of the songs sit in shorter, compact structures, the band pull out all the bells and whistles as far as crunchy guitars, darker supportive male growls, and arpeggio/classical-oriented lead break flair for the epic twelve-minute plus “Eternity” concluding cut.
Considering singles came out as early as 2016 to preview this final product, the material has remarkable continuity for developing an array of songwriting over the past six years. Carmeria isn’t going to set off originality alarms for the symphonic gothic metal scene, but Advenae has a driving passion for the scene, obvious knowledge, and ability to deliver those ideas in a convincing fashion – which could give the band a launching pad to build upon for longevity.