The Queen of dark, symphonic metal is back with a blast of an album! The name of the record, “Amor Vincit Omnia”, comes from Latin and can be translated as “Love Conquers Everything” – and it does! After the huge success of the previous one, “River Of Diamonds” (2023), and the re-edition of “Deux Ex Machina” (1998), the singer comes better than ever and delivers one of the best albums of this year. The quality of the songs is getting better, and the lyrics are to die for. Let’s dive into the album, shall we? The album has eleven tracks, and it starts with “Prelude”, an instrumental track that sounds very Viking-ish and we can see Liv delivering a chanting. It starts with a heartbeat, then followed by Liv and a chorus. It finishes with the singer talking like she was in a cave, filled with water. Excellent way to start a record! The next one, “Amor Vincit Omnia” is sung by the singer, alongside her husband, Michael Espenæs, something that gives a “Beauty and The Beast” vibe. If you miss the old Theatre Of Tragedy, then this music will delight you and bring you tears… “Ode To Live Pristine”. A song, which talks about the healing process and its path, where boundaries and resilience are broken. The perfect ode! Liv’s voice here is like an angel! “12th February” starts with a piano soundtrack. It contrasts with her beautiful and loving voice. It also talks about life in its purest form! “Angel In Disguise” touches the soul in an unexpected way, it will melt the fans! This song has strength, power and energy. Here we can see how brilliant the singer is! “Hold It With Your Life” has a “Bela Lugosi”and Dio vibe. The perfect mixture! “Saphire Heaven” is like a song from the sky! It’s a musical and lyrical bridge, one of the album’s most brilliant moments. A bridge between this release and the previous one! “Unzip My Love” will steal the fans’ breath! Very fast, powerful and the best track of the record. Very up-tempo and lifting. The guitar solo is the key point of this one! “Melange (Whenaddictioncalls)” is very surprising! The tempos, beats and the perfection in introducing phrases in French are a must hear! “Tangerines” talks about the singer’s growth and bows to Mother Nature’s seasons. The fans that follow the singer’s path will understand what this song is talking about. BRILLIANT! And to finish in a superb way, “When Stillness Speaks” is here! It wraps the album’s messages in a poetic way. The perfect way to finish a record! One of the best albums of the year indeed!
♦ 10/10
Raquel Miranda
