MOONLIGHT HAZE – Ad Astra (Official Video)

Single Overview

Ad Astra arrives as the second single from Moonlight Haze’s debut full-length, De Rerum Natura, released on Scarlet Records on June 21, 2019, and on Avalon in Japan on June 19, 2019. The title, Latin for “to the stars,” sets an aspirational tone that aligns with the album’s classical reference point and with the band’s melodic, symphonic approach to power metal. It is a concise introduction to the group’s core identity: high-impact rhythms, sweeping keyboard textures, striking vocal presence, and an ear for memorable hooks.

Sound and Arrangement

Built on the hallmarks of contemporary European power and symphonic metal, Ad Astra moves with brisk momentum, favoring precision and clarity over excess. The rhythm section sets a firm foundation, combining propulsive double-kick patterns with agile bass lines that emphasize movement rather than sheer weight. On top of that bedrock, layers of keyboards provide orchestral colors, from luminous string patches to choral pads that broaden the harmonic space without crowding the guitars.

The dual-guitar lineup leans into harmonized leads and clearly etched riffing. Melodic figures recur and expand, giving the track a sense of circular ascent that mirrors the title’s skyward theme. Leads are lyrical rather than purely shredding, serving the song’s arc with prudence and a keen sense of pacing. Dynamics are managed through textural shifts: verses tighten around voice and rhythm, pre-choruses open into anticipatory lift, and choruses arrive in widescreen with an anthemic release.

Vocally, the track centers on clarity and line. Phrases are projected with sustained tone and control, and the melody is designed to lodge quickly yet unfold across repeated listens. Harmonies and backing layers are deployed for emphasis at key points, enhancing the chorus without diluting the lead line’s focus.

Lyrical Focus and Title Significance

The Latin phrasing of Ad Astra echoes the album’s title, De Rerum Natura, a nod to classical thought that positions the record within a tradition of exploration, philosophy, and the natural order. In this context, the song’s theme reads as a pursuit of elevation, whether understood as personal resilience, creative ambition, or cosmic reach. The language and imagery are aspirational, but the delivery keeps the message grounded in craft. Rather than obscuring intent with metaphor, the lyrics balance uplift with directness, allowing the arrangement’s grandeur to carry the more expansive implications.

Visual Direction of the Official Video

The official video aligns closely with the song’s sonic architecture. Performance-centric framing places the musicians at the center, supported by lighting and color choices that suggest motion and ascent. Quick, rhythmically responsive edits mirror the track’s energy, while more open, luminous shots accompany the chorus to heighten a sense of release. The overall effect is cohesive: a visual language that underscores the music’s clarity and forward drive without overcomplicating the presentation.

Performers and Musicianship

Chiara Tricarico – Vocals
Marco Falanga – Guitars
Alberto Melinato – Guitars
Alessandro Jacobi – Bass
Giulio Capone – Drums, Keyboards

The lineup’s configuration is central to the song’s character. With two guitarists, the band can shift quickly between unison riffing, contrapuntal figures, and harmonized leads, while the integration of live drums and keyboards allows the rhythmic and symphonic elements to converse rather than compete. Tricarico’s performance focuses on articulation and sustained power, navigating the upper register with brightness and stability. Capone’s dual role stitches the arrangement together: the drums drive and accent, while the keyboards supply atmosphere and harmonic glue.

Production Aesthetic

The recording embraces a modern, polished mix that prioritizes separation and impact. Guitars sit with enough midrange presence to cut through the symphonic layers, the low end remains tight and supportive, and the cymbals and upper transients are crisp without becoming brittle. Vocals occupy a prominent but not overpowering position, allowing the chorus to bloom when harmonies enter. Effects are used with purpose. Reverbs widen the space in choruses and key instrumental passages, while delays add dimension to lead lines without sacrificing immediacy.

Within De Rerum Natura

As a single, Ad Astra functions as a gateway to De Rerum Natura, framing the album’s interplay between melodic immediacy and compositional breadth. Its pacing, structure, and thematic clarity make it a practical point of entry for listeners new to Moonlight Haze, while its attention to arrangement signals the broader scope the band pursues across the record. The pairing of classical references with a contemporary power metal toolkit helps tie the album’s conceptual threads together, positioning Ad Astra as a statement of intent as much as a standalone highlight.

Final Notes

Ad Astra distills Moonlight Haze’s strengths into a focused, accessible track that carries both weight and lift. It is thoughtfully arranged, cleanly executed, and presented with a visual companion that amplifies its central idea. As the second single from a debut album, it does the essential work: it sketches the band’s aesthetic clearly, invites repeat listens, and points forward to a body of work that treats grandeur as a function of detail.