RELEASED TODAY: Visions of Atlantis - “Armada - An Orchestral Voyage”
Armada – An Orchestral Voyage (2026), Visions of Atlantis
The one thing all my favourite songs have in common is a great story, and before listening to Armada – An Orchestral Voyage (2026), I attributed that to first-rate lyrics. However, Visions of Atlantis have enlightened me to a whole new method of storytelling, and it has reawakened an imagination I didn’t realise was lying dormant.
Founded in 2000, Visions of Atlantis are an Austrian-French-Italian symphonic metal band, leaning more into orchestral arrangements and pirate aesthetics in recent years. The band consists of Thomas Caser (drums), Clémentine Delauney (female vocals), Christian Douscha (guitar), Herbert Glos (bass), and Michele Guaitoli (male vocals). Armada – An Orchestral Voyage will be their second orchestral album, and fifteenth overall. Following the success of their last studio album, Pirates II – Armada (2024), Visions of Atlantis have translated their lyrics into orchestra, allowing you to chart your own course and join them on a swashbuckling escapade of your own.
As a lover of fantasy, I can already see myself listening to this album while I get lost in the pages of a pirate-themed adventure or perhaps while I’m writing one myself, but sitting down to listen is an experience within itself. The story I concocted was not dissimilar to the one told through the lyrics of Pirates II – Armada, which is a credit to the power of narration through music alone.
Track 1: To Those Who Choose to Fight – Orchestral Version (2:12)
The opening track thrusts you into the role of a sea captain, stood at the helm of your ship as you stare out into uncharted waters. It establishes the journey you are about to embark upon with flute accompaniment, conjuring the image of a dense fog and a readiness to explore. As the title suggests, there will be trouble ahead. There is a haunting melancholia to it, leaving behind a home that you know you won’t return to for a while, but the goodbye being worth it for the odyssey ahead. It is the perfect set up for an audio voyage like no other.
Track 2: The Land of the Free – Orchestral Version (4:33)
With the current political climate of the world, this title feels more essential than ever, and what better soundtrack for liberty? I experienced an overwhelming sense of empowerment while listening, as if I could hoist the sails, raise my sword, and conquer my own destiny. For all the comfort they provide, freedom and homeland are becoming increasingly associated with courage and defending what is right, which is the tone this anthem provides. The orchestral vocals create a feeling of community and togetherness, reminding us that, although we fight, we do not fight alone.
Track 3: Monsters – Orchestral Version (3:34)
This was the track I had the most trouble following, as the perspective seemed to shift from hero to villain (or monster, in this case). Unlike the mental fortification of the hero’s journey, the monsters possess an air of mischief, implying they have less to lose, which arguably makes for a more dangerous foe. However, the violin comes across as confidant, as if the fight is already won. Nevertheless, there remains a certain beauty to it.
Track 4: Tonight I’m Alive – Orchestral Version (4:07)
One of my favourite tracks of the album, Tonight I’m Alive exudes life and energy, reminding us to treat every day as if it’s our last. As long as you’re happy and healthy today, who cares what comes tomorrow? I can imagine this paired with a choreographed dance of stamping, clapping, and general revelry. It is equally as inspiring as the earlier songs, but rather than giving a reason to fight, it makes us promise to not take anything for granted. The underlying darkness and melancholy are still present, but that only adds to the bittersweet celebration. Without darkness, there would be no light to appreciate the beauty of simplicity.
Track 5: Armada – Orchestral Version (4:03)
Armada is the title track of the album and represents the battle we have been building to. It opens slow, but then with the fire of canons, the pace and intensity pick up, almost as if the armada is emerging across the horizon. It captures emotions of fear and resolve, before the combat begins. I felt almost as if the violins of the previous song have combined with the ferocity of the former, demonstrating the clash between life and death. It puts the balance into perspective. Without fight, there would be nothing to enjoy. And without pleasure, there would be nothing worth fighting for.
Track 6: The Dead of the Sea – Orchestral Version (7:15)
At seven minutes and fifteen seconds, The Dead of the Sea is the longest track on the album and is a requiem for those we have lost. The background ambiance of fire crackling and tightening ropes pulls us into the scene and welcomes us to mourn. It reminded me of the Norse tradition of ship burials, where rather than a tomb, bodies were sent out to sea and set alight, which the title plays into as well. The latter half of the song illustrates a hero’s stand – their final sacrifice as they rush headfirst into danger, knowing the risks, but do so with courage and tenacity. This song doesn’t mourn the dead but celebrates them and the sacrifices they made.
Track 7: Ashes to the Sea – Orchestral Version (3:36)
That said, Ashes to the Sea is a manifestation of grief. The Dead of the Sea belonged to loss, but this is dedicated to those left behind, who must keep on going, despite all they have endured. Yet again, it is very bittersweet. As the song fades, you can almost hear the waves, washing away the old and carrying in the new.
Track 8: Hellfire – Orchestral Version (4:43)
This title holds a lot of weight and expectations, which it definitely delivered through the opening cracks of thunder alone. It fluctuates pace, ranging from extreme to subtle, anger to relief. The world is on fire. We have survived the devastation, but at what cost? The rare introduction of vocals towards the end are captivating and, although not discernible, are enough to share in the feeling. It is an important lesson that understanding isn’t always necessary and experiencing emotion is enough.
Track 9: Collide – Orchestral Version (3:15)
Collide returns to the epic and exploration of the earlier odyssey but having lost ourselves in the process. The title suggests a collision of the people we were before and the versions we face now, and a need to reconcile with both before moving on.
Track 10: Magic of the Night – Orchestral Version (4:06)
I envision this song to be celebrated around a bonfire, where sparks of fire and joy reflect the future we are about to forge in the fires of victory. Leaving the battle behind, I appreciated the shift to a lighter, softer, more whimsical tone. It is hopeful and optimistic.
Track 11: Underwater – Orchestral Version (4:15)
From the title, my mind was instantly drawn to a siren’s call – calm and enticing. I felt the same way while listening. If I had returned from a long harrowing journey at sea with my home and family waiting, this is what it would sound like. That would be my siren song. As it builds to a crescendo, the rumbling reflects that sensation of nervous and excitement in your stomach as you approach a reunion. You’re unsure if they’ve changed. You’re unsure if you’ve changed. But you’re grateful to find out.
Track 12: Where the Sky and Ocean Blend – Orchestral Version (7:14)
The final track fits its purpose of being very nostalgic and reflecting. It encapsulates the journey we’ve been on and compartmentalises it into one sweet bottle of nectar.
You can listen to Armada – An Orchestral Voyage from February 6th, along with the rest of their music. It is an album that begs you to use your imagination, which is so refreshing with originality being stripped from everything at the moment.
They have also recently released a single – Pirates & Kings (2025) – in collaboration with Warkings, who they will be embarking on a tour with later this month. You can catch them in Manchester at Academy 2 on February 10th, and in London at the O2 Academy Islington on February 11th. Make sure you don’t miss out.
