RETROSPECTIVE

Silent Memorial is relativly a new name in progressive metal scene with only two albums, this one is the newest from they catalogue named Retrospective released in may 2009. I was curious to listent to this band because I've always like lenghty pieces, specially when is about prog music - because here we have a 22 min prog metal highlight. So , I've give it a try, hmmm not very plsently surprise overall, same old formula, Dream Theater (Awake era) elements combined, of course in good measure with the rest of the influences, but not something excellent, really. If wasn't the title track , a nearly 25 min of hiugh class progressive metal piece, where they simply shine at each intrument, it was an almost boring album in the end. But as I said the lenghty piece save my day and save them aswell for reaching the DT clone status. The rest of the pieces are not bad, like the opening track , who is catchy , nice key passages, but nothing really intristing, I know this aproach of prog metal since 1992 - simlar to Awake of DT fame. They are considered one of the top bands from Switzerlant nowa days, and with a little help they will enter in premier league of Europes progressive metal bands. Something that worth mentioning is with this albums they have a diffrent voice, no other than MIke Andersson from Cloudscape fame. Well, while is a good voice I'm not really impressed about his voice, it's ok, good but nothing special, and another thing I prefer him in Cloudscape better as a singer, ther has much space and is better. The musicianship is ok, on the longest piece is even excellent but they don't shine overall. So my conclusion is that this album is a good one for sure, pleasent most of the time, but not great, if there wasn't that great title track it would be a fans only album, but because that track plus some good moments on the rst I will give 3 stars. Not recommended but worth investigated, but only for prog metal listners only.