This record rocks.

Like an easier Theatre of Tragedy, or a more progressive, much-better Evanescence – this female-fronted melodic-goth metal band make heavy, timeless, catchy music – contrasting thunderous bass, pounding drums and deep guitars, with twinkly synths and the occasional elegant violin or soothing piano interlude. It’s occasionally eerily cosmic in its graceful passages, and then stirringly passionate in it’s crashing metal moments.

The folk-tinged acoustic guitar strumming in ‘Shadow of a Lie’ is almost Opeth-like, the blazing guitar solo in ‘Its Only For Forever’ is Tiamat-esque and the soaring, captivating female vocals that surround the whole thing are the best I’ve heard in a long long time.

Did I mention the lyrics were co-written by John Steinback Award winner, Paul Greulich? There is simply NO reason not to search out Of Infinity, or track down a copy of this EP (just click on 'buy' at the top: $5 - about £2.50) – its been on repeat in my CD player for some time now, and not once have I been disappointed.

RockReview Rating: 8 / 10

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!

Living in the land of the Metal...Goddesses is sometimes tough for some, a definite "no way" for others and a "pleasant stay" for a lot of metalheads who love female fronted bands. I personally find Metal to be a multicolored field where no restrictions should be set as to who sings what and if that "who" is a woman or a man. Someone doesn’t have to be a man or a woman to be able to sing Metal/Rock, it just requires will and "balls" (not actual ones...). So, when it comes down to bands like Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, Leaves’ Eyes, Arch Enemy or even...Heart, Girlschool, Vixen, Doro etc...it’s cool by me, cause they all Rock (in their own unique way)!

Of Infinity is (yup, you guessed right) a female fronted Melodic Metal band from San Antonio, Texas (U.S.A.) and what I’m reviewing is 3-song/demo CD Alessandra Zinicola (Vocals, Pianos & Synths) has kindly provided me with.

You know, I have to admit that many times I’m a bit hesitative before inserting a demo into my CD player. Yeah I know it’s an unfair thought but except for all the great stuff I receive from time to time I also get a lot of rubbish. And when a Demo sucks, I usually don’t want to review it (I’m not talking about if it’s mediocre or a bit bad, I’m talking about really bad Demos) because it would just be worse for the band if I criticized their "work" (and I only do that with regular releases).

On the contraire, Of Infinity’s "The Essence Of Infinity" was a most pleasant musical experience for me. Why?

The band blends a "medieval" feeling with powerful female vocals, classical organs (such as the violin, the piano and the classic guitar), heavy riffs, hard drumming, a fulfilling bass guitar and an very good synth atmosphere.

"The Voice Without" is a powerful first track, with fast outbreaks and calm mid-spaces and I could easily compare it to Theater Of Tragedy’s "Aegis", mood-wise, and The Gathering (generally). Now, to my surprise, the second track ("Shadow Of The Lie") reminds me a bit of Cruachan’s (Irish band) Folk-Metal style with a small dose of The Gathering "on the vocals". Quite interesting song indeed, especially the violin tunes performed by Berklee College of Music educated violinist, Emily Hesterman (awesome violin intros/outros!).

The last song on this demo, "It’s Only For Forever", has a nostalgic feeling combining bluesy guitars with a mellow piano, excellent lyrics and Alessandra’s amazing voice...a wonderful song overall.

Concluding, in my opinion if a Label’s "scout" is smart enough, he’ll sign Of Infinity because this band’s bound to succeed if given the necessary means to create their music the way they exactly want to do it (a good studio for a better production – Oh, the production could have been better but we’re talking about a Demo here, not Nightwish’s latest album). Mark my words: These musicians have talent, skills and a vision. A promising future lies ahead of them.

P.S. Creative writer and "John Steinbeck Award" winner Paul Greulich helped compose most of the lyrics...and they’re awesome!

The production is unbelievably clear, layered to perfection, the guitars have a suitable chunky crunch, vocally immaculate, and musically very tight and mature. The female vocals are, quite frankly, beautiful, almost operatic but not over the top or screeching, in fact, they are rather seductive, quite innocent and harmonious, and the whole package for those liking their Lacuna Coil, The Gathering (of old), Evanescence and Shadow of Memories style bands this is a must. Very gothic but with a slightly doomy thrashy edge at times.

'The voice without' has great drama and melancholy, a soul re-assuring lead touch and some sweet atmospheres and keys toward the end, before 'Shadow of a lie' makes things a little more sinister and moodier. Closer 'It's only for forever' keeps the epic swaying delivery going.

Incredibly confident doomy, classical goth metal from American three piece Of Infinity who perform their chosen style as well as anybody I've heard.

Billing themselves as “powerful female fronted melodic metal” is a sure fire way of getting me inclined to like your music, even before listening to it. Shallow, I know, but definitely one of my favourite sub genres in the world of metal.

The downside of that, however, is that if you turn out to be rubbish, then the gods will rain down scorn upon you via the evil instrument that is my keyboard. Fortunately, for Of Infinity, they more than match my expectations, for this is a quite stunning EP.

Straddling a line between progressive metal and the classical / gothic mix utilised by the likes of Nightwish, this so called demo more than matches the output of many signed and established bands. Allesandra Zinicola (vocals, piano, synths), Nazareth Sando (guitars, electric drums) and Kurtis Kyllo (bass) have been honing their art in the unlikely setting of Texas since 1999, 5 years that they put to good use, honing their art.

If I was tired and looking for an easy comparison, then I’d type the words lacuna and coil, and be done, but I really want you to give this band a listen, so I’ll put a tad more effort into it. The opening number, "The Voice Without" is, without doubt, the best track here, switching tempo with abandon, densely melodic and offset by Allesandra's powerful voice.

"Shadow Of A Lie" comes next, nearly seven minutes long, with a complex arrangement, some synthesised orchestration, replete with lyrics of despair. The intro and outro come with some beautiful violin playing, courtesy of Emily Hesterman, and I can see black candles being lit in bedrooms across the world to this one. "It's Only For Forever" closes thing, much more upbeat, riding along some very fluid and melodic guitar lines, a darker Evanescence, if you will.

Darkly melodic throughout with some truly outstanding material and performances, this is a CD to cherish. More soon, please.

San Antonio Texas’ own “Of Infinity” has just released their 3 track CD Demo entitled “The Essence Of Infinity”. This is a moody and heavy piece. The almost Angelic voice of Alessandra Zinicola cutting through the well orchestrated melodies. She really does have a great voice, and it is very powerful. One can see how her influences in such bands as Nightwish show in her delivery. Nazareth Sando on guitar plays to a frenzy over the drumming (which on this release was programmed). Kurtis Kyllo, on bass, Randy Herbert, on drums, hold the pieces together.

“The Voice Without” has some great hooks in it, and it is a thundering piece when it gets rolling. I thought I was listening to a professional label release because the overall production is very close to that side. The band members clearly took some extra care in making sure this was the best it could be. “Shadow Of A Lie” is a slower heavy track during the beginning which ends in a furious display of melodic skills. It is also the longest track on the CD. Lastly, “It’s Only For Forever” can be almost thought of as a power ballad for there is a slight feel in that vein during this track.

Criticisms: Yes I do have a couple of minor ones. I would have liked to see more tracks put forth by this group, since I liked the ones on the CD. I also would have enjoyed a packaging with more pictures and perhaps lyrics. Beyond that it is a fine CD.

So who should take the time to check out Of Infinity? Well, to be quite honest anyone who enjoys the moody and dramatic Goth stylings of bands like Within Temptation or Epica and After Forever. Fans of power metal will also enjoy it, for there is a degree of that inside these three tracks as well. I was impressed by the demo, and it’s not that easy to win me over these days. There is just too few bands willing to try and be different.

I have provided their link so you can take a look at this up and coming act. I shall keep my fingers crossed for their hopeful signing of a record deal. This CD is available on their site. It is worth a listen.

Of Infinity Official Site: www.ofinfinity.com

--Ken Pierce

Of Infinity is Texas based and exists of three core members: Alessandra Zinicola (vocals, piano, keyboards), Nazareth Sando (guitar, programmed drums) and Kurtis Kyllo (bass). They all had experience in musical projects but work together since 1999. It would be a shame to call this band an ordinary gothic act, for although there are references to Lacuna Coil and Evanescence, this band has many other influences too.

Above all the songs are catchy and melodious, but at the same time very powerful. Opener 'The Voice Without' has the most standard gothic elements. The mid-paced track has a solemn, magnificent sound, but a dusky mood is surely present. 'Shadow Of A Lie' used to be an instrumental track. Here the mighty violin reigns, played by Emily Hesterman. The wide spectrum of the band is illustrated in 'It's Only For Forever'. Here they go for a medieval scene and damned, they do it well. It feels like being in the middle of maidens and knights on horses, a pig on a spit and barrels of barmy beer. Alas this is where the story ends, but not before emphasizing the pre-eminent guitar-work on this album. Not only for gothic fans!

Rating 84/100 (details)

http://www.ofinfinity.com

A three-song demo sometimes can tell you all you need to know about a band’s prowess or ability and then sometimes it can just be a tease. The latter is the case with “The Essence of Infinity”. Imagine if Evanescence’s singer decided to be in a metal band. More operatic at times than metal, Of Infinity has that air about them that just exudes freaky good musicianship. Spotted on the album will be sweeping strings and piano/keyboard soundscapes that give a great backdrop to the pounding percussion and distorted guitars. But it’s the vocals that taunt you to come into the dark—indeed into the dark recesses that are conjured forth imaginatively by Of Infinity. Here’s to hearing another three songs!

- J-Sin

(12 September 2004) The debut recording from Of Infinity is a an absolutely stunning three-track EP entitled "The Essence Of Infinity." The three tracks left us longing to hear more. Of Infinity is a three-piece progressive melodic metal band from San Antonio, Texas. Fronted by the absolutely stunning voice of Allesandra Zinicola (also piano, synths), the lineup is completed by co-founder Nazareth Sando (guitars, electric drums) and Kurtis Kyllo (bass). The band was conceptualized and born in 1999.

Living hundreds of miles apart, the two began flying cross the US between New Jersey and Arkansas to develop themselves and their music. Their quest for adept band members has taken the duo to all corners of the country with notable stops in the New York tri-state area, Arkansas and Utah, where in Salt Lake City, the band was solidified with Kurtis Kyllo. The band have since settled in San Antonio.

Of Infinity are described as heavy, gothic, progressive and melodic and are therefore likened to Lacuna Coil, Nightwish and Evanescence. The three track EP opens with the rousing Nightwish-oriented "The Voice Without." Allesandra's powerful voice rises in layers above powerful guitar riffs and melodic keyboards. Vast tempo and style variations contribute to the rocking progressive sound. The tremendous production of Allesandra's soprano vocals leave the listener in complete awe.

"Shadow Of A Lie" is the longest piece of the EP running just over six and a half minutes. Heavy and rhythmic guitar riffs complement tremendous synthesized violins, crisp percussion and Allesandra's powerful vocals to produce a very Lacuna Coil sounding track. The robust instrumental conclusion of the track follows a downtempo melodic bridge accompanied by Allesandra's soaring vocalise.

The EP concludes with the guitar-laced "It's Only For Forever," an upbeat melodic rocker again reminscent of Lacuna Coil with a dash of Evanescence thrown in for color. The vocal harmonies and piano lines blend with guitar and crisp percussion. Allesandra's soaring vocals rise above the instrumentals in various breaks and leave the memorable melody lingering long after the song concludes.

Of Infinity show tremendous promise. With five years of collaboration recently celebrated it's time for a full length release. We can't wait to hear it!

I'm thoroughly impressed by Of Infinity's mesmerizing 3-song CD The Essence Of Infinity, an amazing cauldron of progressive, melodic and dark metal. The San Antonio, Texas-based act have no doubt worked hard to get the ride sound/style out of their music and it shows. The production is ace, the guitar work is remarkable (especially on "Shadow of A Lie") and the rhythm section is potent, but the heart of the band's power comes from lead singer Alessandra Zinicola. She truly is a talented frontwoman, capturing a real spark and edge to her delivery that makes each song come alive. Just listen to "It's Only Forever" and tell me that you don't feel the sincerity of her words. The 3-song CD leaves me wanting more and I can't wait to see what is ahead for Of Infinity - I will definitely be watching. -8-
URL: www.ofinfinity.com