CIRCLE OF SILENCE - review added 18th April 2011
Album Review: The Blackened Halo (2011)
For fans of: Heavy Metal
Circle Of Silence was started back in 2005 by lead guitarist Tobias and bassist Björn. By March 2006 the main line-up was complete, and by September of that year their first album "Your Own Story" was released. "The Supremacy Of Time" followed in 2008. "The Blackened Halo" is the band's 3rd album and marks their signing to Germany's Massacre Records.
This is a big brash record with thumping drums, loud guitars and potent singing. There's an air of Iced Earth's fantastical vibe in there, alongside Judas Priest's straight ahead power, Danzig's leftfield oomph and Iron Maiden's epic edge.
The result is appealing in many ways, but also doesn't quite hit the highs I'd have liked it to. Second song 'Left To Die' is a prime example. It's a contagious track that really sticks in the mind, but it still feels like there's something missing. Maybe this is just a band that doesn't translate perfectly to record, as I'm pretty damn sure this material will sound incredible on stage. I think the blame is at the feet of Nick Keim's vocal style. He's a monster singer, but his voice doesn't key in with the music - the singing and musicianship almost come across as two different styles. Shame.
Still, the musicianship is awesome (really properly awesome) and plenty of the songs have real charm...and actually as a whole the album is a blast.
In Summation:
This is a very likeable album, but it misses out on brilliance. Don't write Circle Of Silence off though, there is a lot of talent going on here. It just needs using in the right way.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Synthetic Sleep
02. Left To Die
03. Exception
04. 21 Grams
05. The Blackened Halo
06. Take Your Life
07. Never Forget
08. Reflections
09. Redesign
10. The End
11. Until The Worlds Collide
Band/Performers:
Christian Sommerfeld (rhythm guitar)
Tobias Pfahl (lead guitar)
Peter "Pit" Suppinger (drums)
Nick Keim (vocals)
Bjorn Boehm (bass)
Other Info:
Label: Massacre Records
Artist's website(s): Circle Of Silence | MySpace | Facebook
