Itinerum is an alternative gothic metal band, from the Basque Country of Spain. The band members include: Rubén Conejo on drums; Anne on lead vocals; Jorge Banobre on bass; and Fede (Federico Wuttke) on lead guitar.
Their first album, “Dream and Fly,” was released in 2023, to good critical reviews. Their second, and latest album, “Resurgence” was released on June 20, of this year, through Demons Records. Itinerum’s rise has been impressive, especially with “Resurgence” earning praise for its emotional depth and genre-blending finesse. Anne’s lyrical vocals paired with Fede’s riffs and Rubén’s ambient arrangements give the band a signature sound that is both haunting and powerful.
Their participation in the “Wacken Metal Battle Spain 2025” northern semifinal, placed them among 40 selected bands out of 135 applicants – a testament to their growing reputation in the Spanish gothic metal scene.
As for their influences, Anne herself has said that while many listeners compare Itinerum to Evanescence, she personally feels their style aligns more closely with Lacuna Coil, especially in terms of emotional delivery and mid-tempo intensity. Rubén also cited Lacuna Coil’s version of “Enjoy the Silence” as a key inspiration, even performing it live with Itinerum on occasion.
An Itinerum, is “an ancient Roman road map, in the form of a listing of cities, villages and towns within a certain distance.”
The production of “Resurgence” was carried out by Pedro J. Monge at Chromaticity Studios and MG Media Productions made the album cover art.
So, let us explore Itinerium’s “Resurgence,” shall we?
“Resurgence” opens with “The Nobodies,” which features full, surrounding keyboards, synths and a soundscape that provides a warm welcome to this sophomore album. Anne’s sings, “Feel I am sinking in the darkness. Need a light beneath.” The music supporting is typical ethereal metal soundscaping. Unfortunately, mid-way through this ethereal opening the band uses male growling to disrupt the interesting essence of sound that they were trying to establish in this opener. Maybe a hat’s off to Marilyn Manson’s track of the same name. I just do not understand the need for male growling, when you have a beautiful voice like Anne’s; who the band has invested so heavily to find and develop. All the time and effort to find and deploy, and hopefully to help set a standard sound for the band, dragged down by maybe egocentric reasons. Thankfully though, Itinerum usually deploys the growls as effects and does not give them a prominent role in the lyrical sound of the band.
“My Serenity,” is an even better song, because they do not use the growling male vocals. It is Anne’s vocals that decorate this wonderful soundscape of metal celestial music. There is a music video to support this song, and it tells the deep story of betrayal well. This band does make excellent music videos. Keep up the great work!
“Mother Of Chaos,” is another showcase for Anne’s incorporeal voice. The drums, bass, and lead electric guitars support her well, as the synths and orchestration encompass her. Unfortunately, the male growling returns, however, not to the level of “The Nobodies.”
“Till Dawn Do Us Apart”, opens with a very cool synth and keyboard riff, and the rest of the band soon joins in. Drums, bass, and electric guitar support Anne as she tells the story. More short male growling vocals, but not too much to complain about; only to remind of their avoidable use.
“Inner War,” opens with excellent keyboard and synth effects. Anne’s voice echoes across the soundscape as she sings vocal incantations, while Chris Squire – like bass supports her, with the drums pounding. One of the best songs on the album. An internal and external anti-war anthem.
“Under Rain,” opens with more cool synthesizers and keyboards before the blasting guitars, bass, and drums roar through the door. Anne sings this one more effectively. Her voice is more distinctive and easier to understand.
“Symphony Of Rage,” slows the pace at the opening. Piano like keyboards help build an otherworldly soundscape. The bass, guitars, and drums support Anne’s voice well. The orchestration surrounding the lead electric guitar soloing and drumming is intense. There is a music video supporting this song, which does a better job of telling the story of this song than the lyrics alone. An incredibly great, on location, performance music video.
“Askja,” opens with cool Middle eastern vibes, including Anne’s vocal incantations, along with the orchestration, bass, lead electric guitars and drums are some of the best on the album. This song sounds like it was inspired by Part of the Theory’s “Famished Mammon.” However, Part of the Theory plays “Basque – like,” music more enthusiastically!
“Inequality,” the closing track, opens with launching electric lead guitar and pounding bass and drums. Anne’s vocals are also well-defined here. But the male growling has also returned. But thankfully, Itinerum, uses the growling sparingly. The performance music video is an excellent representation of an Itinerum performance and will make audiences want to go see a live show. A good, solid album closer.
Itinerium’s “Resurgence,” is a great introduction to the band for sure, and it is well worth your time and interest. However, it does not rise to the level of many of the other metal bands I have heard this year. A deep love song, full of an emotional showcase, with lyrics and vocals for Anne, would have given her the room and the opportunity to shine even more than she did on “Resurgence.” That might have catapulted this album higher. Hopefully with more band maturity, the male growls will become a thing of the past. The stories are good, but next time, include a lyrics sheet, to help showcase your pride in the stories you are singing and telling. The music videos that Itinerium made for this album are powerful and include on-site band performances in exotic places. More stories and events from the Basque Region the band is from would certainly have elevated this album; as Part of the Theory has demonstrated with the interest in their single. Yes, this band absolutely understands and knows how to make a great location shoot and performance video. Keep them coming. I will continue to enjoy Itinerium’s “Resurgence,” and hope for an even more powerful rebound!
Track List:
1. The Nobodies
2. My Serenity
3. Mother Of Chaos
4.Till Dawn Do Us Apart
5. Inner War
6. Under Rain
7. Symphony Of Rage
8. Askja
9. Inequality
Band Website and Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/itinerum_official
https://www.facebook.com/Itinerum.official
YouTube and Music Video Links: