SILENT SENTINEL

ADVENT is an American band who have released a much talked about album this year called "Silent Sentinel". This is their third studio recording and there's been a nine year gap between each one. The music here is very GENTLE GIANT-like with plenty of acoustic moments and harmonies. They use violin, mandolin, glockenspiel, fiddle and recorder along with the usual instruments.

The album opens with "In Illo Tempore" where we can here crickets to start as light keyboard- like sounds take over. Atmosphere and more as it starts to build before it settles late and blends into "To Dunsinane" where we hear nature sounds before vocal harmonies and a strong GENTLE GIANT flavour takes over. "On The Wings Of An Ant(Verse 1)" again reminds me of GENTLE GIANT with those reserved vocals and piano. "Voices From California" is one of my favourites. Vocals and light keyboard sounds to start as it builds. It does settle back with backing vocals and intricate sounds. Great sound after 4 minutes during an instrumental section. "The Uncharted Path" has some nice acoustic work early on as piano and a full sound kick in after a minute. I'm not a fan of some of the keyboard sounds. A much better sound arrives after 2 minutes. Organ, recorder then violin follows. "Reloj De Sol" is a short piece with acoustic guitar melodies. "On The Wings Of An Ant(Verse 2)" opens with vocals and acoustic guitar as the organ joins in.

"The Silent Sentinel" is the longest piece at over 19 minutes. Again light keyboard sounds including what sounds like harpsichord. Vocals before 3 minutes. I like the haunting vibe that comes in. Vocal harmonies before 5 minutes. A nice instrumental section starts after 6 minutes then it turns dark before 9 minutes. Harpsichord-like sounds then take over. A full sound kicks in before 12 minutes followed by mellow vocals and sound before it turns fuller again. "12/12" is an acoustic guitar driven track. "Sentinel's Reprise: The Exit Interview" opens with some killer bass as vocals and harmonies kick in quickly. This is very GENTLE GIANT-like. The keys and guitar sound excellent here. "Second Thoughts" is more acoustic led music before we get the final act of "On The Wings Of An Ant(Verse 3)" which is a favourite of mine. Vocals and atmosphere lead the way. "Full Moon And Empty Hours" features more acoustic sounds and atmosphere. "Riptide In Aeternum" sounds great when it picks up before a minute with organ and that rhythm section. "Romantas" ends the album and it has a medieval sound that pops up on this album quite often. I like the electric guitar. A strange change before 6 minutes doesn't sound right to me. Vocals before 11 minutes.

Most Prog fans will eat this album up but I just can't pull the trigger on 4 stars with that almost 78 minute length and overall pleasant and safe sound.