Infinite and Divine has returned to release their new album Ascendancy. Their sophomore album was released February 10, 2023. The Swedish band is made of two collaborative artists, Jan Åkesson, the lead guitarist, keyboardist, bass, backing vocalist, songwriter, producer, and programmer. Tezzi (a/k/a Terese Persson), sings lead and backing vocals. Additional musicians, include: Jens Westberg, on drums; and Mikael Hylén, who plays the keyboard solo on “Ashes To Ashes”.
In the summer of 2019, Jan and Tezzi first encountered one another, and shortly after that, set out to work on writing songs for what would ultimately become their debut album, Silver Lining. That album was a fantastic combination of Jan’s energetic heavy riffs, the influences of their varied taste in melodic hard rock and metal.
This band is a great combination of melodic rock and female – fronted heavy metal. Tezzi’s vocals are both powerful and beautiful. She has the power of Tarja and other great metal goddesses and also has the dynamic power to provide a wonderful ballad. Jan Åkesson, is a great one-man-band, providing memorable metal guitar chords which will light up your ears.
The first two songs are a perfect example of the abilities of which, I just spoke. You get the magnificent grinding metal power of Åkesson’s loud guitar and drums. Tezzi, however, keeps her vocal superiority above the excellent melody and some wonderful keyboards from Mikael Hylén.
On, “Larp”, and “Remedy”, Tezzi’s vocals do not need to scream above the guitar work, drums and orchestration. She delivers straight-ahead raspy vocals which compete with any of your favorite AOR male and female heroes of the 1980s. She has a wonderful, clear, and controlled vocal deliver, which is so hard to find in the genres of metal and AOR. No need for a lyrics sheet here. She is understandable, and the lyrics are positive and uplifting, which is much appreciated.
“Our Time”, is an AOR wonder, that will bring back so many memories of Heart, Scandal, Pat Benatar, Bonnie Tyler, and a little bit of Tina Turner. That Tina Turner sound really comes out on “Leave Me”. It is missing the funk and R&B, but is full of Thunderdome power and trajectory.
“Silent Revolution” sounds like a Lita Ford song, Tezzi’s vocals sound so close to hers, at times throughout this album. Power maximum.
Every song on Ascendancy, is worth your listening time. The album almost sounds like it was written it in the middle of the 1980s. So authentic and drawing upon the magic that filled that era of metal and AOR. I enjoyed this album and will play it often this year. A strong recommendation for sure. Great lyrics, perfect 80s singing, and authentic musicianship, which will keep you entertained in the house or especially on the road, in the car…like it used to be…
Track List:
1. Ashes To Ashes
2. Larp
3. Remedy
4. Our Time
5. Leave Me
6. Silent Revolution
7. I Hold My Life
8. Forever With Me
9. Down
10. Parasites
11. Small Deeds
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/infiniteanddivine
https://www.instagram.com/infinie_and_divine
You Tube and Music Videos: