Bare Infinity – The Butterfly Raiser

As much as I would like to consider myself “in the know” of the best bands in the world of metal, there are always a few bands that slip under my radar, and when I am finally introduced to their music, I say to myself, How did I miss something this damn good? Bare Infinity, a symphonic/power metal band originating from Athens, Greece are one of those bands.

The band started out in 2005 as a project between two friends however after temporarily disbanding in 2012, one year later in 2013, Bare Infinity was revamped with new members Orlok Davis (guitar) and the announcement of the bands new front-woman, the Italian songwriter and actress Ida Elena DeRazza .

Soon after in December of 2014 Bare Infinity released a their new single and first video-clip with the new lineup, titled Race of Destiny, which eventually became the lead track on the new album.

In 2016 Bare Infinity announced the launch of their first Indiegogo campaign to produce a new album titled The Butterfly Raiser. The album was mix and mastered by Max Morton at Morton Studios , and also features two songs produced by Jacob Hansen (Epica/Evergrey/Volbeat and more).

The wonderful thing about listening to The Butterfly Raiser is that, while you can hear influences from their better known peers Nightwish, Delain, Epica, Amaranthe, and others, Bare Infinity manages to take those influences and create their own unique sound and style, thanks in major part to having a standout vocalist in Ida Elena DeRazza. DeRazza has the vocal chops as well as a dramatic sensibility that she brings to every song, making them her own and making each song like a chapter in a play with its own story to tell.

Starting with the afore mentioned Race of Destiny, a fast paced symphonic metal anthem with DeRazza’s powerful pipes which have a more rock attitude rather than the mezzo soprano operatic style of her contemporaries which also makes her and the band stand apart from the pack.

The second track, Artemis, begins with DeRazza’s spoken word in her native tongue, accompanied by flute performed by guest Albert Dannemann. The flute melody gives this track a folk metal vibe, along with the fun, fist raising “Hey!” chants interspersed throughout the song.

The chugging guitar rhythm and guitar lead melody of Reaching For The Sun is so powerful as DeRazza’s vocals are powerful and soar with emotion. There are plenty of tasty riffs and leads from guitarists Tomas Goldney and Steve Davis.

Max Morton of the band Morton lends his vocal talents to the Middle Eastern melodies of In Desertis. The vocal chemistry between Morton and DeRazza is undeniable and create an amazing melodic and harmonious chorus. The breakdown of the song features an emotionally charged guitar solo. The duet of Morton and DeRazza is one of the many highlights on the album.

The albums title track is a folk metal opus with a feel good vibe throughout the song. Fans of Floor Jansen era Nightwish will notice some similarities in the melodies during the verses but the chorus is unique and spellbinding as DeRazza’s vocals give the song its own identity and personality.

The band add a unique Greek flavor to Sands of Time, featuring Ioannis Maniatopouloso of the band Tri State Corner on bouzouki, a traditional Greek musical string instrument that really stands out when played along the chugging guitar rhythms and double bass drum patterns. DeRazza’s vocals are sensuous and magnificent in her delivery throughout the song. The use of the bouzouki only adds to the fresh atmospheric quality of the track making it a standout.

One of the albums heavier moments is the powerful and energetic anthem Hear Me Out, with a message of empowerment that DeRazza’s vocals convey perfectly as the soaring uplifting chorus is one of the albums best. There are elements of the heavier side of Amaranthe on display but nothing more than a slight resemblance.

Orion’s Light is another track that has a Middle Eastern vibe and features guest vocals from American vocalist Sarah Wolf of the band AfterTime, a band I am unfamiliar with but will definitely check out after hearing Wolf’s vocals here. The song has a more symphonic feel compared to the majority of the album. The back and forth duet between Wolf and DeRazza is spectacular as their voices compliment each other perfectly.

Ashes is the heaviest track on The Butterfly Raiser and the only one to utilize growling vocals and a proggy synth as a way to add different textures to the song, and it works to great effect as it separates the song from the other tracks but its still cohesive with the album as a whole.

The albums most prolific moment is on the emotionally charged Robin’s Eyes, a song about the pain of people struggling with depression. The song was inspired by and dedicated to the late actor Robin Williams who suffered from depression and sadly, took his own life after years of struggling with the disease. DeRazza’s performance here is nothing short of spine chilling and awe-inspiring.

The song structure and riffage of The Devil’s Call is reminiscent in certain points of Evergrey’s Broken Wings, but with a more symphonic rocking attitude.

The albums final track, The Sword The Stone and The Wolf is another folk tinged epic track with strong vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and pounding drums. The song has many twists and turns, ranging from slower powerful passages, heavier sections that will make you want to bang our head, and grandiose uplifting vocal melodies all bringing the song to a magnificent crescendo. According to the band, the song is being adapted for a short movie to be released in the future. With its cinematic atmospheres and string sections, this is something I will greatly look forward to watching.

Fans of symphonic metal as well as bands like Epica, Nightwish, Amaranthe, and Delain will fall in love with The Butterfly Raiser and if there is any justice in the world of metal, Ida Elena DeRazza’s name should be held in the same regard as Floor Jansen, Charlotte Wessels, and Simone Simons. No hyperbole with that statement, with The Butterfly Raiser, Bare Infinity has created a game changer in the world of symphonic metal.