It’s a crisp evening in Manchester, and the crowd are eager as they queue outside Rebellion with hopes of setting sail on a voyage led by symphonic-pirate-metallers Visions of Atlantis. The headlining band are fundamentally known for their captivating symphonic metal inspired by tales of the sea, and have been selling out venue after venue on this tour with their nautical nights of symphonic-metal dynamism. It’s another full-house tonight and the place is buzzing with anticipation, a palpable sense of musical narrative adventure hanging in the air.

Seraina Telli is a one-woman powerhouse. She strides onto the stage, the Swiss rocker brimming with confidence, and her commanding stage presence immediately wins over the already invested crowd. She wastes no time diving headfirst into her set, her distinct vocals ferociously cutting through the close air. Telli’s energy from the stage is infectious and various pockets of punters are already reacting positively from the off. Her set is characterized by a mix of classic rock with a hint of old-school grit, fused with enough hooks to get even me nodding along. It all reminds me very much of acts like Chez Kane and Sara Baldwin. But here’s an authentic, raw quality with Telli - one that resonates with the crowd, and makes for a perfect support act. It's her voice that is most notable though - it’s versatile, effortlessly transitioning from a gritty rocky snarl to moments of melodic clean clarity. It’s clear that Seraina Telli is on the rise, and she’s making sure everyone remembers her name.

Next up are Illumishade, who bring a dramatic change of pace and vibe. The lights dim, and an ethereal glow bathes the stage in hues of deep blues and purples, transporting the audience into a different world. Their entrance is dramatic and flamboyant, especially for a venue like Rebellion, and it’s quickly evident that their music sits on that same spectrum of fantastical and dramatic. Musically, Illumishade blend symphonic metal with prog rock and even some modern metal aspects.  There is plenty here to interest fans of bands like Future Palace and As Everything Unfolds, but the best description I can think of is Lacuna Coil doing Disney-pop songs.

Singer Fabienne Erni is the focal point, her voice shimmering and enchanting, moving seamlessly between soft whispers and powerful crescendos, carrying the full emotional weight of each song. The audience is entranced, like she's sharing a secret with each and every one of them. Much of their set is underpinned by soaring melodies and tight, intricate guitar work, and there’s a definite cinematic quality, with the keyboards layering atmospheres that swell in unison with the vocals. Illumishade are definitely worth catching live to get the full power and feel of a fairly unique mix of styles and delivery.

Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for, Austria’s finest symphonic-pirate-metal band Visions of Atlantis take to the stage. We’re immediately plunging into an oceanic odyssey, with the band’s nautical theme reflected in every element. They launch into their set with ‘To Those Who Choose to Fight’ a thunderous opener that sets the tone for the night. Clémentine Delauney’s ethereal yet soaring soprano pairs flawlessly with Michele Guaitoli’s powerful and robust tenor, the two vocalists intertwining like duelling cutlasses. The chemistry between Delauney and Guaitoli is not only electric but also a big pull for this band. They play off each other expertly, trading lines and harmonizing with the kind of synchronicity that only comes from both a deep musical connection and sublime professionality. The rhythm section, led by Thomas Caser’s thunderous drumming, gives each song a dynamic pulse, driving the music forward with an energy that demands headbanging from even the most casual attendee. The guitars are razor-sharp, churning out melodic riffs that dance through the air, blending seamlessly with the lush symphonic backing layers. Tracks like ‘Heroes of the Dawn’ showcase the band’s skill for combining bombastic orchestration with that metal slant.

One thing is for sure, Visions of Atlantis know how to put on a show. Delauney, in particular, commands the stage with charisma, her presence both regal and is inviting. She moves with an elegance that matches her vocals, reaching out to the crowd, her eyes locking with fans in the front and back rows equally. There’s a sense of enjoyment that permeates the set from all of the band, and that enthusiasm and joy interplays between the band and the crowd naturally.

There’s an emotional connection to the performance as well that becomes most apparent during main set closer ‘Melancholy Angel’ a track that highlights the more reflective, introspective side of their music. The crowd want more of the epic storytelling, sweeping melodies, and sense of adventure though, and they end the night with an encore of clear favourites ‘Master the Hurricane’ and ‘Armada’, although no one wants this nautical journey to end.

Check the “In The Flesh” page for more photos!
Visions of Atlantis + Illumishade + Seraina Telli