BUILDING UP THE APATHY

4.5 stars. I feel like i've had some hits and misses of late when it comes to Metal so it is with great pleasure to review SILENT VOICES most recent release from 2006. Man this is just as good as their previous one "Infernal" in my opinion. These Finns just seem to push all the right buttons for me.The vocals are incredible, i'm a huge fan of them. And while these guys do have a Power-Metal flavour at times I feel there's even less of that here when compared to "Infernal". Man this has some heavy duty soundscapes but it's always melodic.

"World's End" gets things started with a blast while the synths roll in.Vocals before a minute. Piano before 4 minutes then it kicks in again. Synths and drums lead before 6 minutes then the guitar adds some fire.Vocals are back 8 1/2 minutes in.

"Distorted" is a top three. A heavy assault to start. It settles back some when the vocals arrive and I like the guitar here. A guitar solo before 3 minutes and the vocals sound amazing when they return. Another guitar solo before 5 1/2 minutes.

"Once Lost Life" has a heavy intro and yes we seem to have a theme here.Vocals join in then it settles back with vocal melodies after 3 1/2 minutes. A tasteful guitar solo follows.

"Blood Of Eden" is another top three for me. It kicks in hard quickly. So good ! Reserved vocals join in then they turn more aggressive 1 1/2 minutes in. Killer stuff right here. A calm after 4 minutes then we get some orchestral sounds before atmosphere and spoken words take over.It kicks back in at 6 1/2 minutes with vocals.

"Corridors" will take the other top three place although it's hard to pick at this point. It hits the ground running as synths roll in then vocals. A Power-Metal flavour here with the rhythm section. A ripping guitar solo after 3 minutes.

"Hollowed" is different,more laid back but it's a winner as well. Atmosphere to start as we get some spoken words.Gentle guitar and reserved vocals follow. More spoken words before 5 minutes followed again by reserved vocals. A cool tune.

"The Realm Of Flames" is heavy duty with synths.Guitar then vocals join in. Great sounding track ! The guitar lights it up after 4 1/2 minutes.

"Into The Flow" ends it with a dark vibe and drums before the riffs and synths join in. It picks up before a minute then the vocals arrive. Check out the keyboards after 4 minutes.Vocal melodies and drums lead after 6 minutes then the guitar kicks back in as it builds.

I highly recommend this and the previous one to all Prog-Metal out there.