SILENCE THE GODS

Music:
Whatever else this track is about, it's got attitude and a range of varied styles which are intergrated seemlessly. There are melodies in every section and the stylistic changes are handled with authority. The track is especially notable for it's encompassing of the traditional building tension and giving release pattern that most music utilizes for keeping a listener engaged. 10

Lyrics:
It's almost impossible to understand the words except in the spoken and electronica sections, but I think the point still gets across. Whatever additional angst, alienation and resolve you're are singing about comes out in the attitude of your delivery. 10

Arrangement &
Production:
Although there are a number of genres mixed into a metal setting, nothing sounds forced or phony here. The spoken word and electronica sections sound like part of a metal symphony depicting all the fragments of a fractured world where culture evolves so fast that no one can keep up. Each stylisitic segment is played with absolute authority and integrated into a whole performance that never misses a step. The recording sounds clear and the mix is a magnificent maelstorm of menace and madness. 10

Lead Vocal:
All the lead vocals sound appropriate to the style they are rendered in. The range of voices is particularly impressive and I wonder how many singers you have. It's slightly disappointing to not be able to understand some of the God silencing wail of the main man, but sometimes these words are better left to the imagination. That way the listener can fill in the blanks for him or herself. 10

Musicianship:
I can't find any significant fault in any of the performances here. There is a point early on in the track when the drums sound slightly behind the beat on the snare and toms, but this could just as easily be a stylistic device as the kick is not similarly late. As I mentioned above, the range of music genres you reference authentically is impressive and sweeps the listener along a torrent of music emotion. Each section has genuinely significant muscial moments, so there's no sense of a token musical reference being passed along as filler or phony cred builders. 10

Originality:
I haven't heard any bands make this range of musical touchstones work as effectively as you do here. For all of System of a Down and Linkin Park's attempts at versatility, this track is much more organic. The contrast between the more yearning vocals and the wail is stupendous, giving eloquent voice to both emotional states. Again, most bands come off as poseurs. These are elements that you have not invented, but definitely make your own. And that works as originality in this convoluted musical age. 10

Marketability:
I can't imagine that any metalhead would get turned off by the range of this track, as you make sure to deliver the rage along with everything else. You'll need a look and an act that can substantiate this vision, but if you've got that, then A&R types will come running. Big marketing can help this kind of music reach out into the heartland, but if you can come up with the management structure to put this out yourself and support the live appearances with enough funding to make a big show, you'll make more money. 10

General Comments:
This track has it all. Great job, but next time include the lyrics. If they're as good as the track, it would be nice to hear all the words. Average Score
10 - Reviewed By: Curtis Lowell