MetalRelease #NewMetalRelease | 🇦🇹 Austria 🇦🇹 | Release date: 13052022 | Band: Visions of Atlantis | Genre: Symphonic Metal | Album: Pirates | Label: Napalm Records
Visions of Atlantis is a cornerstone of the Austrian symphonic metal scene. Founded in Bruck an der Mur in 2000, the band has spent over two decades evolving from a group inspired by the myth of Atlantis into a high-charting “pirate metal” powerhouse. They are known for their signature “dual-vocal” attack, combining operatic female vocals with powerful male cleans.
Band Overview
- Origin: Bruck an der Mur, Styria, Austria
- Formed: 2000
- Genre: Symphonic Metal / Power Metal / “Pirate Metal”
- Label: Napalm Records
- Core Theme: Nautical tales, mythology, freedom, and self-discovery.
The Turning Point: The Pirate Era
While the band has a long history with many lineup changes, 2018 marked a major creative rebirth with the arrival of Michele Guaitoli (vocals), joining Clémentine Delauney (vocals, joined 2013). This “Pirate Queen & Captain” duo transformed the band’s identity, leading to their most successful period to date.
Featured Album: Pirates
Released on May 13, 2022, Pirates is the band’s eighth studio album and the one that truly “hoisted the flag” for their current success.
- Success: It became their first album to hit the Top 20 on the German album charts.
- Sound: A lush mix of heavy orchestration, Celtic/folk elements, and cinematic atmosphere. It moved away from the more “dreamy” themes of previous albums like Wanderers toward a darker, heavier, and more rebellious pirate concept.
- Key Tracks:
- Master the Hurricane: An 8-minute epic that showcases their heaviest and most orchestral side.
- Melancholy Angel: A catchy, high-energy single that became a fan favorite.
- Legion of the Seas: A powerful anthem representing the “pirate army” spirit.
- Clocks: A folk-infused track that became a live staple.
History & Legacy
- Founding Years (2000–2010): Inspired by early Nightwish, the band released underground hits like Eternal Endless Infinity and Cast Away. The era was defined by the late Nicole Bogner’s operatic vocals.
- The Struggle (2011–2017): The band faced numerous lineup shifts but kept the flame alive with albums like Delta and Ethera.
- The Modern Trilogy (2018–Present): Beginning with The Deep & The Dark (2018), they found a stable lineup and a clearer sonic vision.
- 2024 Expansion: They released the sequel Pirates II – Armada on July 5, 2024, cementing the “Pirates” saga as a trilogy.
- Live Mastery: They are now a major festival draw, having recorded the celebrated Pirates Over Wacken (2023) live at Wacken Open Air.
Current Lineup (2026)
The band is currently touring the world with their “Pirates & Kings” tour:
- Clémentine Delauney: Lead Vocals
- Michele Guaitoli: Lead Vocals
- Christian “Dushi” Douscha: Guitars
- Herbert Glos: Bass
- Thomas Caser: Drums (Founding member)
2026 Update: Visions of Atlantis has just released the orchestral companion Armada – An Orchestral Voyage (January 2026), featuring full symphonic versions of their latest tracks.