Visions of Atlantis Presents Pirate-Themed Storytelling in the ‘Armada’ Single from Upcoming Album

Visions of Atlantis has announced their highly anticipated new album, ‘Pirates II – Armada,’ set for release via Napalm Records on July 5th, 2024. This album is a follow-up to their 2022 release ‘Pirates,’ continuing the band’s successful exploration of pirate-themed symphonic metal​.

‘Pirates II – Armada’ delves deeper into the pirate universe that Visions of Atlantis has crafted, blending symphonic metal with epic storytelling. The album’s narrative is set against the backdrop of high seas adventures, featuring themes of freedom, rebellion, and the fight against the old world’s hypocrisies and greed. The band’s frontwoman, Clémentine Delauney, and captain Michele Guaitoli lead this musical journey, delivering powerful vocals and dramatic performances.​

The genesis of Visions of Atlantis can be traced back to Styria, Austria, where founding members Werner Fiedler, Christian Stani, and Thomas Caser envisioned a band that would blend the grandeur of symphonic music with the intensity of metal. Their debut album, ‘Eternal Endless Infinity’ (2002), set the foundation for their distinctive style, characterized by dual male and female vocals, lush orchestration, and thematic explorations of myth and fantasy.

The early years were marked by experimentation and a search for a coherent identity. The band’s initial sound drew heavily from the influence of symphonic metal pioneers like Nightwish and Within Temptation. Nevertheless, Visions of Atlantis sought to infuse their music with a unique narrative voice. This period was also notable for its frequent line-up changes, which, while presenting challenges, also brought fresh perspectives and creative inputs to the band.

The release of ‘Cast Away’ (2004) marked a significant step in the band’s artistic evolution. This album introduced a more polished production and deeper thematic content, reflecting a growing sophistication in their approach to songwriting. The dual vocal dynamics between Nicole Bogner and Mario Plank created a rich, dramatic contrast that became a hallmark of their sound. The band’s ability to create a seamless fusion of these elements set them apart from their contemporaries and cemented their reputation as innovators within the genre.

The mid-2000s brought significant challenges, particularly with the departure of key members, including Nicole Bogner, whose vocal presence had been central to the band’s identity. The subsequent albums, ‘Trinity’ (2007) and ‘Delta’ (2011) saw the band navigating these changes while striving to maintain their artistic vision.

‘Trinity’ featured American vocalist Melissa Ferlaak, whose operatic style added a new dimension to the band’s sound. The album was a critical success, praised for its ambitious scope and the depth of its compositions. However, internal tensions and further line-up changes continued to pose obstacles. Despite these setbacks, Visions of Atlantis demonstrated remarkable resilience, consistently pushing their creative boundaries and refining their musical identity.

The band’s renaissance began with the arrival of Clémentine Delauney in 2013, whose dynamic vocal range and charismatic stage presence injected new energy into the group. The subsequent albums, ‘Ethera’ (2013) and ‘The Deep & The Dark’ (2018), represent renewed creativity and stability.

‘The Deep & The Dark,’ in particular, stands as a testament to the band’s matured sound and cohesive artistic direction. The album’s thematic exploration of oceanic myths and sophisticated orchestration received widespread acclaim. Critics noted the band’s ability to balance complex musical arrangements with accessible melodies, appealing to dedicated fans and new listeners.

Piracy, typically associated with the notorious marauders of the Atlantic, such as those from England, Spain, and France, dominates the popular and scholarly discourse on seafaring brigandage. Nevertheless, the Austrian forays into piracy diverge from this usual narrative. Historically, following the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and the consequent reorganization under the Habsburg Monarchy, Austria gained not only regional prominence but also access to strategic maritime locations. This geographical advantage, mainly through acquiring vital ports along the Adriatic coast, such as Trieste and Dalmatia, positioned Austria as a potent maritime force in the Mediterranean—starkly contrasting its current landlocked status.

The historical origins of the Austrian involvement in maritime affairs traces back to the strategic geopolitical maneuvers of the Habsburg Monarchy, which sought to expand its influence beyond the confines of Central Europe. This expansion was particularly pronounced during the reigns of Maximilian I and Charles V, who orchestrated the acquisition of key maritime territories. The annexation of the Duchy of Burgundy brought initial access to the North Sea, while the subsequent inclusion of Spanish crowns under Charles V extended Habsburg reach into the Mediterranean, notably through the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily.

As the Habsburgs consolidated power, the need for a robust naval presence became evident, particularly to protect burgeoning trade routes and assert dominance in the increasingly contested Mediterranean waters. The acquisition of coastal territories such as Trieste and Dalmatia during the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries was not merely opportunistic but a calculated effort to establish a maritime foothold. These ports served as gateways for the Austrians into the Adriatic and further into the Mediterranean, catalyzing their involvement in regional maritime politics and skirmishes.

By the mid-sixteenth century, Austrian ships began to appear more frequently in Mediterranean naval logs, not just as merchant vessels but as active participants in the endemic piracy that plagued the region. The distinction between legitimate naval engagement and piracy was often blurred by the issuance of letters of marque, which legally sanctioned privateers to attack and seize vessels under the aegis of state authority. This legal backing provided a semblance of legitimacy to what were essentially piratical acts, reflecting a common practice among European powers of the time.

The role of Austrian piracy intensified with the empire’s strategic need to disrupt the naval capabilities of the Ottoman Empire, its primary adversary in the region. Through both sanctioned privateering and unsanctioned piracy, Austrian sailors and mercenaries preyed upon Ottoman and other Muslim traders, seizing goods and taking prisoners. This not only weakened the Ottoman economic and naval strength but also bolstered the Habsburg treasury and contributed to the empire’s military funding.

Additionally, Austrian piracy played a significant role in the cultural exchanges between the Christian and Muslim worlds. Captured goods, technologies, and even captives introduced new knowledge and resources across cultural boundaries, inadvertently fostering a complex web of influences that shaped the development of naval technology and maritime strategy.

The album’s first single and title track, ‘Armada,’ introduces listeners to a rich and driving sound that captures the essence of a pirate army preparing for battle. The official music video for ‘Armada’ enhances this experience with captivating visuals that draw fans into the band’s thematic universe​.

The production of ‘Pirates II – Armada’ has been handled with meticulous care. It features orchestration by Lukas Knoebl and Simon Edward, and the mixing and mastering were done by Jacob Hansen, ensuring a polished and powerful sound throughout the album. The album promises a range of emotions, from the electrifying energy of ‘Tonight I’m Alive’ to the melancholic depths of ‘Ashes to the Sea.’

Visions of Atlantis has consistently received praise for their ability to blend symphonic metal with immersive storytelling. ‘Pirates II – Armada’ is expected to further solidify their reputation in the metal community, offering a unique listening experience combining musical prowess and thematic depth. The anticipation for this album is high, as it promises to deliver musically and visually, enhancing the band’s legacy and expanding their fan base.

In addition to their upcoming studio album ‘Pirates II – Armada,’ Visions of Atlantis previously released ‘Pirates Over Wacken’ on March 31st, 2023, a live album capturing their electrifying performance at the 2022 Wacken Open Air festival. This live release showcased the band’s dynamic stage presence and provided a vivid auditory experience of their symphonic metal prowess.​

‘Pirates Over Wacken’ features a selection of live tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver powerful performances in front of massive festival crowds. The album includes standout live renditions of songs from their critically acclaimed ‘Pirates’ album and other fan favorites. A bonus DVD is included to enhance the listening experience, featuring live footage from the Masters of Rock festival in the Czech Republic. This visual component immerses fans in the band’s live energy and theatrical presentation.

They also embarked on headline tours across North America and Europe to promote the release of ‘Pirates Over Wacken.’ The North American tour, Pirates Over North America, took place on February 7th, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA, and featured support from The Spider Accomplice. This tour signaled the band’s first-ever headline tour in North America. Following this, the Pirates Over Europe tour took place on April 4th of the same year, with Autumn Bride providing support. These tours allowed fans to experience the band’s potent live performances and celebrate the live album together.

‘Pirates Over Wacken’ is a live album and a landmark to Visions of Atlantis’s growth as live performers. Their ability to captivate large festival audiences with their blend of symphonic metal and pirate-themed storytelling is vividly captured in this release. The live album served as a bridge between their studio recordings and electrifying live shows, offering fans a comprehensive experience of the band’s artistry.

Visions of Atlantis is set to perform at the highly anticipated Metalfest Open Air 2024 on Friday, May 31st, in Pilsen, Czechia. This prestigious event features a stellar lineup of prominent metal bands, making it a significant date in the metal festival calendar.

Metalfest Open Air 2024 promises to be a memorable event for metal fans, offering a rich variety of performances from top-tier bands. The festival’s setting in Pilsen, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, adds to the allure, providing attendees with an immersive experience that combines music, culture, and community.

By attending Metalfest Open Air 2024, fans will have the opportunity to witness Visions of Atlantis and other iconic metal bands deliver unforgettable performances, contributing to a weekend of musical excellence and camaraderie.