| Musical Style: Power/Progressive Metal | Produced By: Within Silence |
| Record Label: Ulterium | Country Of Origin: Slovakia |
| Year Released: 2024 | Artist Website: Within Silence |
| Tracks: 9 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 50:36 |
With fleet European power metal styling and intricate progressive metal affection, Within Silence is perfectly set up to pamper those whose tastes trend the musical fence either way. Hence, manner in which the groups press material lists Stratovarius, Theocracy, Power Quest and Majestica as points of reference, each of which play a role influencing the Košice, Slovakia based groups Ulterium Records December of 2024 third full length album The Eclipse Of Worlds.
On each subsequent album Within Silence expanded upon its progressive repertoire, noting manner in which Ulterium 2017 sophomore release Return From The Shadows ‘finds Within Silence playing up the greater progressive aspect to its songwriting by making occasional forays into ten minute epic territory and even longer’ (quoting the 90% Angelic Warlord review). The Eclipse Of The Worlds continues the trend, so add Dream Theater and Affector to the list. Within Silence got its start with the melodic power metal to its 2015 debut full length Gallery Of Life (also Ulterium and 85% Angelic Warlord reviewed).
Opener “Land Of Light” trends the Within Silence power metal side. It echoes of the neo-classical, expeditious with its heroic galloping and expertly played in light of the classically influenced guitar leads. Yet, a heavier angle divulges in terms of the heavyset ‘Fight! Light! Fight! Light!’ backing vocals punctuating the songs mid-point. Sweden’s Narnia comes to mind. Lyric snippet:
Today in a world of madness, look around what can you see
In lives full of sadness, broken destinies, and dreams?
Burning souls are falling down to the ground, lying in the sand
Where’s the place of stolen peace hiding harmony and dreams?
Human falling, crossing shades of dark
Every time you feel the fear, you’re longing for the Light
You are searching for never ending love
Remember the only way is the guidance of the Light
“Divine Power” ensues at three and half minutes. Similar to many shorter pieces, it proves breathless with a whirlwind mentality as guitar and bass interplay alongside accelerated hooks pointing to a speed basis. An uplifting and gladdening feel resounds as a result. Instrumentally, founding member Richard Germanus duels lead guitar wise with newcomer Marian Gonda.
Albums seven minute title track is first of two progressive epics. “The Eclipse Of Worlds” takes a raised up configuring for its instrumental first minute as Peter Pleva’s double kick drum leads the way, the lifted energy conserved for its stamina driven verse sections and equally sinewy (and quite engaging) refrain. An anthem like bent drives the militant minute and half-instrumental run. This one has Theocracy written all over it. Lyric snippet:
Salvation, resurrection
Leave this place of desperation
Tears fall throughout all of time
Salvation, resurrection
Reach our final destination
Stand ready here to join our lines
My heart is no longer afraid
I’m filled with the Holy Word
Demonic legions crawl
Carry on! Carry on! We will hold
A return to power metal territory with “The Treason”, a fast-paced charger - again, lavish double kick drum prevails - approaching speed metal territory in which rattling duel lead guitar again plays a forthcoming role. Yet, despite the whirling fury, an absorbing side demonstrates in the form of the groups beckoning vocal melodies. Once more, Narnia is a point of reference.
Albums shortest at three minutes, “Storyline” comes across in the form of an AOR tinged semi ballad. It starts calm and reticent to contented guitar and at ease vocals, not elevating until rhythm guitar bursts forth and furnishes spark to the moving scene. Yes, this one is straightforward and fundamental but solid all the same.
Six minute “Battle Hymn” revisits the Within Silence progressive side. It ranks with my album favorites, militant with its aggressive, rapid-fire outbursts and unapologetic riffing but also classically nuances when factoring the medieval underpinnings and classically influenced instrumental moments (akin to “Land Of Light”). The shouted ‘War!’ backing vocals further inspire the ardent refrain. Lyric snippet:
When the knights of heaven are storming the sky
They are approaching the bright of the moon
It is time for all brave hearts
With the shield of our faith
Stand firm and conquer your pride
The guardian’s army stands by my side
I´m passing through the gate
My allegiance to the King and His throne will lead me to my grace
“The Broken Thorn” is a short (three and half minute) but fleet piece along lines of “Divine Power”. Tempo escalates its length to applicable double bass, riffs that storm with abandon and Klein’s mid to upper range soaring vocals. Yet, a darker side to the song realizes in the somber keyboards. Early Sacred Warrior comes to mind. Lyric snippet:
Morning shine of the sun
It’s the Savior and the Father of One
He is leaving the grave, reaching Eden and healing the pain
Tears from heaven are painting the path
One of the two men has been sacrificed
Lecture of justice is signed by His blood
Guilty survived but the Prince of Peace was found
“The Mist” delivers its share of power metal variances. Song covers its first instrumental minute dreamily to eerie keyboards until flairs of rhythm guitar jump in, with the pensive atmosphere calming to soothing keyboards only for the watchful force to return for the regally hued refrain. Again, the Within Silence progressive aspect is understated.
Speaking of which, twelve-minute closing magnum opus “When Worlds Collide” realizes said Dream Theater and Affector comparison. If into Theocracy epics along lines of “I Am (As The World Bleeds) and “Easter” (Ghost Ship), I see “When Worlds Collide” also appealing to your tastes. At the very least, it brings a similar type of binding melody allowing it to remain fresh without turning trite and tiresome.
In terms of specifics, and not to go into too much detail, but songs first half follows a standard verse-chorus-verse format with a wonderfully engaging refrain and intense guitar riff reminding of Flames Of Fire track “Gloria” (off the groups 2022 self-titled debut). Second deviates from the course with an improvisational feel as manifold instrumental interludes combine with multiple (almost spoken word) verse sections of a sophisticated form. Lyric snippet:
I will never doubt that the candle of life burns in us
I know all the tears of the human race
You will turn into dust
Even the earth will be shaken
In God we will trust
Now it's time to step through the gates of paradise
The time has come to step through the gates of paradise
I am coming for Your holy Light
You are there
I am coming for Your holy Light
Please God save me now!
The Eclipse Of Worlds equates to another musically solid album from Within Silence. Similar to its predecessors I find it musically consistent in basing around European power metal but with decided progressive leanings. A solid melody basis allows albums material to hold up despite extending into six to seven minute range or greater. As always, band performance is a strong point, as is refined production. If into power/progressive metal with a European slant or previous Within Silence albums, make The Eclipse Of Worlds a priority purchase.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Land Of Light” (5:06), “Divine Power” (3:28), “The Eclipse Of Worlds” (7:01), “The Treason” (4:47), “Storyline” (3:13), “Battle Hymn” (5:56), “The Broken Thorn” (3:23), “The Mist” (5:21), “When Worlds Collide” (12:18),
Musicians
Martin Klein - Lead Vocals
Richard Germanus - Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Marian Gonda - Lead Guitar
Viktor Varga - Bass
Peter Pleva - Drums
