AudioLegend | We Are Infinity

by Joe Mis
– Senior Columnist —

We Are Infinity is the second full length release from the Swiss sextet AudioLegend. Naming your band AudioLegend is a bit presumptuous and egotistical, but at least they make a valid attempt at living up to it by making solid and enjoyable (but not legendary) music.

Formed in 2008, AudioLegend states that their goal is to make true modern rock music with a “consistent appeal to a wide audience.” In this, they have succeeded. We Are Infinity is a collection of ten tracks ranging in style from commercial pop to roots rock to melodic metal, each distinct in tone and style – a smorgasbord of modern rock. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Reto Grossrieder, AudioLegend is able to deliver multiple styles thanks to fellow vocalists Tanja Grossrieder and Sandra Ulrich. While not sharing the “lead vocalist” spotlight, Tanja and Sandra are much more than mere “backing” singers, enabling the band to do some interesting and unique vocal lines and harmonies. The balance of the band (consisting of guitarist and cellist Jan Peter Reinhardt, drummer Luca Weber, and bassist Pascal Egger) is also top notch – capably delivering on all fronts in all styles. They do have some pedigree and experience, having toured in support of Accept, Gotthard, and Soundgarden, among others.

Surprisingly the album kicks off with a pure bubblegum pop rock tune, “We Are Infinity.” At this point anyone looking for something harder would probably turn it off, but things change quickly. While not a bad track at all, it is not the kind of opener that hooks. “Firebird” is a much heavier track with gritty guitars – and is a tribute to the great American muscle car of the same name. The triple vocals work well throughout, and the bass and drums drive the song as much as the guitars. A big metal guitar riff opens the booming “Rise,” and this one stays metal all the way through. Great harmony vocals on the chorus, slick musical hooks, and an awesome lead break make this a barnburner of a song. “Rockstar” is a lighter, tongue-in-cheek chronicle of the start of a musical career – a great track with upbeat vocals and a toe-tap inducing rhythm line. “Heroes Time” is a darker track with a bit of an alternative sound to the bass and drum patterns – a good change of pace that highlights the versatility of the band and the vocal talents of the singers.

The band switches gears again on the old school rocker “World City Life,” a fully bass driven song paying tribute to the great places of the world and life on the road. “Soulmate” has a heavy, pounding groove with strong blues rock overtones, but on the whole does not seem to truly fit the band’s personality. Again, not a bad song – just not a comfortable sounding one. “Fairytale” is a moody power ballad with a smooth vocal line and some tidy guitars, while “Your Life My Pain” is a solid mid-tempo rocker with a powerful chorus. The album wraps with the raspy blues rocker “Stone Cold.” Some of the songs really click and some don’t work as well, but this is a young band that should improve with age.

Overall, We Are Infinity is a decent album built around the three vocalist lineup, backed up by strong guitar work and a solid rhythm section. Their songs are neatly written, inoffensive and quite catchy. Combine all of that with good production values and crisp engineering and you have an album that should appeal to both old school rockers and pop fans alike. The diverse mix of style and tempo keep the album lively, interesting, and most importantly – fun. While not “legendary,” AudioLegend’s We Are Infinity is very good.

Genre: Melodic Rock, Metal

Band:
Luca Weber (drums)
Pascal Egger (bass)
Sandra Ulrich (vocals, percussion)
Reto Grossrieder (lead vocals, guitar)
Tanja Grossrieder (vocals, percussion)
Jan Peter Reinhardt (guitar, cello)

Track Listing:
1. We Are Infinity
2. Firebird
3. Rise
4. Rockstar
5. Heroes Time
6. World City Life
7. Soulmate
8. Fairytale
9. Your Life My Pain
10. Stone Cold

Label: Sonic Revolution

Website: http://www.audiolegend.ch/

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5 / 10