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Septicflesh is a band that I have long neglected, for some reason (likely "too much music"). Live albums are a good way to hear a variety of songs from a band, so I figured this was an opportunity to make up for the past. This is a 2CD/Blu-ray/DVD combo (something like that), though the promo is audio only. Judging by what I'm hearing, the video has to kick ass, especially since the band played this show in Mexico City accompanied by over 100 musicians from the Symphonic Experience Orchestra, the Enharmonía Vocalis Choir, and the 'National University of Mexico Children's and Youth Choir.'

There are two things I want from a live album: A clear sound that nonetheless has the live vibe, and some interaction with the crowd as well as some crowd noises to make the listener almost feel like they're attending the show. There's a delicate balance to strike so that it doesn't come out as a bore because of too much crowd interaction or noises recorded for too long. Well, Infernus Sinfonica MMXIX passes the test with flying colours.

The sound throughout the album is powerful and even at relatively low volume it makes the speakers vibrate. It's obvious that the band went all out to make sure that the effort they put into getting all those musicians on stage was not lost on the finished product. Simply put, this fucking rocks. The frontman has this uncanny ability, when speaking to the crowd, to sound both friendly and kind of evil with that raucous voice. It's really hard to describe, but it's one of the most noticeable things on the album. ;) The crowd noises are mixed in well and always fit right in. I can't really speak as to the choice of songs since I haven't heard much of their catalogue, but suffice it to say that the albums flows very well and, even though it's over one hour and twenty minutes, when it's over I always think, "already?" An album that long usually makes me think, "about time" when it's over, so that's saying something. This is just a great performance all around and, along with U.D.O.'s We Are One, is another winner this year when it comes to a metal band cooperating with an orchestra.