POSTHUMOUS SILENCE

The first Sylvan CD I ever heard was X rated, and even though I can´t say it is bad, it did not move enough to make me write a review aobut it. I don´t waste time writing about something I don´t like. So It took me a long period to finally hear their next, Posthmous Silence. I really don´t know why they labeled it as neo prog: it´s closer to modern prog in the vein of Radiohead with some metal tendencies here and there. Neo prog to me is a less pompous symphonic rock with the guitar more proeminent than the keyboards. There is nothing like that here. But there is little doubt that this CD is far better than X Rated.

First of all there are some great melodies and the song structures are very good. This is a concept album, over 70 minutes long and it´s quite successful. What´s really annoying are those grunge vocals. Not that Marco Glühmann is not good. In fact, he has a terrific voice and on the ´clean´ parts (melodic) he does a great job, but when he starts moaning and grunting the words I barely can stand it. Which is a shame since the instrumental part is very well done, with a good flow, alternating heavy moments with other of pure beauty and delicacy. The guitar lines and keyboards textures are just marvelous: very subtle, sophisticated and very well done. If you can go past the ´dirty´ vocal parts, chances are you´ll love this album. The production is top notch.

To me, fortunatly the good moments are the majority. I can hear this album with much pleasure efven if it does have the issues I mentioned before. As a whole, it´s a great record. It´s just a matter of taste that i can´t give it four or maybe even 5 stars instead of three. 3,5 stars would be more fitting. The music is excellent.