Member:
Darksinger
Date:
11/7/2005
Hellhammer has been involved in some very interesting bands and projects lately. Still pounding away on Arcturus, Kovenant and Mayhem, his recent exploits have included Winds (under his real name Jan-Axel Blomberg), a band that incorporates classical and black metal, and this, Age of Silence. Age of Silence is as about as far from Mayhem as one can get: no screaming Norwegians, no Voivod-ish riffs, no darkest evil nonsense. And the best drummer in metal surrounds himself with a crew of extremely able musicians and vocalists to pull off an excellent prog-metal project.
The names of the songs are longer than the album and probably sound more like Dali paintings than they do metal or prog songs. There are no epic 30 minute opuses on this album, just three well written and well-arranged songs that remind the listener of a heavier Yes or a less theatrical Arcturus. Check this out-you will NOT be disappointed!
Member:
Windhawk
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by Windhawk)
Date:
9/19/2007
Format:
CD (Album)
Age of Silence is a Norwegian project group, consisting of more or less famous musicians from different black metal bands. Complications is an EP released in 2005, to satisfy fans awaiting their second full length album.
Musically the band members’ background from (modern) black metal isn't very noticeable. Although several details and nuances in the soundscape are recognizeable from this genre of music - synths barely heard fleshing out the soundscape, slight nuances when changing tempo, melodic overlays from guitars tuned way down to create a very subtle effect - the music on this record has more similarities with doom metal than with black metal.
The guitars are the main instrument here, but played mostly with long, drawn-out chords rather than the fast-paced aggressive riffing you'll find in black metal. The second most noticeable element here are the vocals, actual singing with clean vocals, most often harmonic and at times layered vocals as well. The overall soundscape is dark and gritty though, with the vocals bringing light and beauty into a rather grim and dark - but epic - soundscape.
As for the songs on this release, they are all good - especially if nuances and details are to your liking. The songs are too monotone and repetitive though; at least for me. The first and last of these three songs have most variation, and due to that are better than the one in the middle for me.
My rating: 73/100
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