This is going to take some getting used to, what with new vocalist Michael Bormann coming into the fold to replace the departing D.C. Cooper. The overhaul doesn’t stop there though, as Matt Sinner comes in on Bass and Alessandro Del Vecchio coming in on the keys right behind him. This definitely changes the band dynamic, but after a seven year hiatus, Silent Force is back in action still under the leadership of founding guitarist Alex Beyrodt.
The effects of the personnel changes is felt immediately on the opening track “Caught in their Wicked Game” which is a descent song, but lacking that true melodic punch from previous releases. The crunchy guitars come to the forefront though and Bormann’s grittier style is molded tightly around the sound. The big difference right away is in the vocal department and this is something I feared would alter the band’s sound dramatically after Cooper’s departure in 2012. What I liked about D.C. Cooper is his superb voice and mellifluous singing style, giving the band many great melodic passages and sweeping epics on nearly every track.
Clearly Bormann brings a different element to the proceedings, allowing Beyrodt and Sinner more heft with the guitars. It does work effectively on numbers like “Before you Run” and “Born to be a Fighter”, allowing for a more hard rock approach. With Matt Sinner coming in on bass, the rhythm section is beefed up considerably, providing that new found punch coming through in their core sound. Like I said, it’s taking some time for me to digest, but the new dynamics works like a charm on “Kiss of Death”, ending the album off on a good note.
Rising from the Ashes is an appropriate title for Silent Force given the impact the new players have upon the sound. Musically, this new record transitions nicely into the hard rock arena and may ultimately give the band a wider appeal on the international stage. I for one still prefer the powerful vocals that D.C. Cooper brought to the table, but I’m willing to give this line-up a chance.
Kenneth Gallant, Editor HMS
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