First thing that calls the attention about “Break the Silence” is that it is a multilingual album with songs in English, German, French, I guess a little Japanese due to the presence of guest Asami from Lovebites, and a language I was not able to distinguish. The album also praises multiculturalism with an ethno influence that can be heard, for instance, on album starter “Rising High.“
Even though the press release labels the band as Symphonic Metal, I agree to disagree. From where I am standing, the band plays some kind of modern Metal with lots of influences of techno music and the cores. Ok, there are hidden symphonic touches in tracks as in “Break The Silence,” however, as I said they are in the background, as are the guitars in most of the songs. It is such a pitty because I found their tone great and pungent, but, as a rule in modern Metal bands, the guitars stay in the background and vocals lead.
Being the band sixth full length, “Break the Silence” is a concept album that focuses on themes of communication, inner strength, resilience and the urgent need to reconnect in a divided world. Well, if you ask me, a pretty exciting and current thematic what makes the album even more insteresting. The problem is that the guitars are in the background, as I said before, giving it a more commercial grip. I understand concept albums – please correct me if I am wrong – a chance for the musicians to explore their talents in a deeper manner. Unfortunately, it is not what happens here.
Of course, there are silver linings. “Break the Silence‘s” multilingual and multicultural grip stand out in this moment of such intolerance. This sad and lonely and pathetic little planet is in real need of acts like that. As usual, at least for me, vocalist Jennifer Haben steals the scene with her powerful and well-put voice. “Ravens” is a track where she demonstrate almost everything she’s got. I said almost everything because the album production limits the musicians’ talents. Also, the mix of electronic effects with Metal music that “The Flood” delivers the fan surprises. By the way, the album cover art is amazing as well.
Ok, then, I guess that by it initial proposal “Break the Silence” had everything to be a great album. However, its production in order to reah larger horizons – let’s use this euphemism, shall we – made Beyond the Black lose a great opportunity. A little less electronic effects, guitars on the lead, more guitar solos, and voilà, the album would be great. Not so difficult.
Beyond the Black “Break the Silence” will be released on January 09th via Nuclear Blast Records.
Track Listing:
01. Rising High
02. Break The Silence
03. The Art Of Being Alone (Feat. Lord of The Lost)
04. Let There Be Rain (Feat. The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices)
05. Ravens
06. The Flood
07. Can You Hear Me (Feat. Asami From Lovebites)
08. (La vie est un) Cinéma
09. Hologram
10. Weltschmerz
Watch official music video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!