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Inner Wound Recordings
by Craig Hartranft, 11.22.2013
Returning from a hiatus of silence after their original lead singer departed the band is Finnish outfit Silent Voices with their fourth album, Reveal The Change. As you may recall Silent Voices features the quartet of Henrik Klingenberg (k), Pasi Kauppinen (b), both of Sonata Arctica fame, Timo Kauppinen (g) and Jukka-Pekka Koivisto (d). For vocal recording, the band relied on guest vocalists while seeking a permanent singer. These guests include some metal nobility: by Mats Levén (Therion, Yngwie Malmsteen), Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), Mike Vescera (Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen), Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan) and Teemu Koskela (Winterborn). Koskela was eventually picked to man the microphone.
After these things, Reveal The Change is essentially a platter of melodic progressive metal, both interesting and entertaining. At first, I thought that the variety of vocalists distracted from the continuity of the album. Rather, at the very least, it makes you listen to the songs individually, parts of a larger whole. (Unfortunately, we don't know who sings on what song.)
On the progressive side, some songs are more so than others. Definitely The Fear of Emptiness which opens the album, but also Burning Shine and longer closer, Through My Prison Wall. You might be tempted to add power metal to Silent Voices as within these songs the pace can hasten at times, but mostly it's a mix of tempos. Alternatively, another song, No Turning Back, is more melodic heavy metal with little complexity. It's heavy, with a dark feel, (which could be said about the whole album), thanks to the creepy refrain.
Faith In Me is a bit perplexing, yet quite entertaining. It starts with this very cool rock groove and then morphs into this competing heavy and power metal tone in the center. Some of that groove returns toward the end, bringing the song full circle. Black Water is also a interesting, tasty, piece. In the last quarter, there's this quite cool breakdown which features drummer Jukka-Pekka Koivisto and sounds like jazz/metal fusion. A few final notes. Being a lover of guitar solos, there's some terrific leads throughout from Timo Kauppinen. The production and mix is also quite fine, often drawing out the nuances of the bass line. Overall, Silent Voices's Reveal The Change is most satisfying progressive metal. It's good to have them back. Recommended.
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Silent Voices's Reveal The Change is most satisfying progressive metal. It's good to have them back. Recommended.
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