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Review:
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Malta's Weeping Silence have been on the metal scene
since the mid 90's and are the very definition of a band
who have paid their dues and deserve success. I along with
a host of other reviewers were mightily impressed with their
last release, 2008's 'End of an Era', but this album sees
them take it to the next level as they look to break out
and take on the might of European gothic metal. There is
a massive void left by Within Temptation's move into 80's
melodic metal, so the time is certainly ripe. I do not mean
to suggest that Weeping Silence are copying Within Temptation,
quite the opposite, they have an equally long history (founded
a year before in fact), the same roots in 90's doom, and
have undergone a similar natural metamorphosis into symphonic
gothic metal. However there they diverge as Weeping Silence
have chosen to develop the 'Mother Earth' style which I
have sadly missed, it is curious that very few bands have
explored this distinctive branch of metal despite its original
success. There are eight multifaceted epics containing that
unique mix of symphonic, gothic and prog rock/metal with
the doom turned into a melancholic atmosphere as they swirl
and sweep effortlessly between heavier and lighter, slower
and livelier passages, but always with a anthemic chorus
at their heart. The biggest difference is that the lighter
elements are more melodic rock rather than folk and indeed
the whole album is almost as much rock as metal orientated.
The other main difference is the highly varied lead guitar
work by Mario and Manuel which punctuate Alison's orchestral
keyboard soundscapes, and Sean's use of fretless bass is
most unusual for a metal band, when combined with Angelo's
skilled drumming it allows them to glide rather than pound.
Perfectly matching and enhancing the music is lovely Rachel
Grech's gorgeous pitch perfect voice that echoes Sharon
den Adel's semi operatic post banshee/pre rock 'Silent Force'
style, ably supported by four opera singers who have been
magically transformed into a massed choir, and the band
has thankfully and wisely ditched all traces of growling.
It's all been professionally produced at the high-tech Temple
Studios on Malta's sun-kissed Mistra Bay.***
We get off to a stately start with 'Of Light and Shadow',
'Dark Waters' then picks up the pace with it's catchy refrain,
and 'Within White Walls' slows it down before it too gathers
momentum. The inspiring title track 'Theatre of Life' comes
next before the sublime 'Season’s Journey'. There is a lovely
balance in the running order as they launch into awesome
dynamic 'Promises Broken', followed by the reflective moody
almost Camel'ish' instrumental 'Monuments' showcasing Sean's
fretless, and we end with the rousing 'Innocent Cries'.***
Theatre of Life is a very apt title for this work, it
has everything a good play should have, drama, poignancy,
emotion, romance, thoughtfulness, darkness, lightness and
Rachel's lyrical poetry. This is an album that grows with
every listen, gradually enveloping you in its warm embrace.
You can find their stage at http://www.weepingsilence.com/news.htm
, a theatrical 9.5 out of 10.
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