Review by Rachel Jablonski
I recently wrote a review on a band called Cougars where I criticized the use of too many different sounds, musicians, and instruments within the album composition. Attempting a unique style seemed to have backfired as the Cougars sound was ultimately cluttered and unappealing. Similar in concept and attempt, the Norwegian project Age of Silence is also full of many different instrument sounds. Yet, in contrast to Cougars, the debut album called Acceleration is much more feasible. Although the album is also busy with a great variety of instrument sounds and sometimes asynchronous melodies, it is not so busy as to become chaotic or obnoxious. The release flows with enough grace so that it is pleasing to a listening audience.
Typical rock instruments as well as the use of keys to simulate stringed instruments, brass instruments, piano, and so on are utilized by Age of Silence in creative orchestration. The best way to describe the sound might be "progressive metal with classical music twists.” This construction in some ways reminds me of the Metallica release called S&M, a live recording of the the band playing Metallica songs in combination with a symphony. The end result of the Age of Silence album is both natural and unforced with the well calculated individuality of each instrument sound on the studio release.
The use of keys is the major component of the Acceleration release. “Auditorium of Modern Movements” is impressive with key patterns that are not simplistic. This aspect really adds to the track giving it a flavorful twist. The keys are also seemingly used to program the other instruments heard such as the string and brass instrument sounds. These trends are paralleled throughout the album and are what gives it a soft classical music feel. The title track “Acceleration” is a very key driven song as well. There are occasional growls and light, but gruff vocals overtop heavy guitar grooves. These sounds accompany the foundation set in place by the keys. The result is a strong and full of life.
Despite the strength in the way the music is maneuvered, there are downfalls to the album as well. Most noticiably are the vocals, which are not much stimulating. They are at times rather dry, sometimes monotone, and they eventually become rather monotonous. Perhaps the best track on the album is “I No Longer Know If I Am Mad.” Acoustic guitar work with spoken, not sung vocals, piano, and synth compose a gentle softness that adds a pleasurable touch to the album that other tracks with sung vocals do not.
Minus the overall weak vocal factor, Age of Silence has produced an interesting album combining more upbeat symphonic instrument sounds with heavy, dark guitar riffs. It seems the band needs to incorporate more enticing vocal accompaniments, but the overall result is a good progressive debut album.