Sometimes the album art fits with the music. Sometimes it is just an appropriate piece of art to put on the cover. This one I think fits with the former as there is a peace in the knight’s prayerful pose in the midst of the battle being fought between angels and demons. This looks like it is a faraway land that no longer exists. Or does it? Is it perhaps in our midst? Within Silence’s “The Eclipse of Worlds” wields power metal that takes the listeners away to this land only to realize they never left.
Hailing from Slovakia, WS began back in 2008 as a project with vocalist Martin Klein, guitarist Richard Germanus, and a revolving band of musicians under the name Rightdoor. They changed their name to Within Silence in 2014 and then released two albums on Ulterium Records: “Gallery of Life” in 2015 and “Return From the Shadows” in 2017. There was a lot of hype in the Christian metal world on these releases as they showed much promise delivering quality power metal in the vein of Theocracy and Stratovarius. Now it has been 7 years since their last release and there is much anticipation in what this new album will yield. After years of crafting this album, is it worth it?
Absolutely! Instantly my ear draws parallels to fellow countrymen Signum Regis as WS brings a delightfully accessible version of high energy power metal with a flair for the progressive. What sets them apart on this record is the folksy melodies that beckon the listener to lift up a sword for battle. There is a good mix of straightforward and epic songs on the album with soul-stirring melodies that will lift one’s heart to engage in the spiritual battles that are around us.
“Land of Light” opens the album with a bright guitar riff leading into energetic uplifting power metal with a catchy chorus and intricate bass work. After the opening verses, the band shows their progressive side flowing through various musical elements like gang vocals and a keyboard solo (from whom, I do not know) before landing into a guitar solo. “Divine Power” is a straightforward power metal hymn showcasing WS at its most lean. I like the message on this song, particularly how the Prince of Peace will heal your soul and broken heart.
The title track is the first epic track on the album at 7 minutes. It starts at a slower tempo with a drawn out guitar line, but then bursts into fast power metal riffing with twin guitar work. What makes the song so long is a complex verse that has three distinct parts using stretched out chord progressions similar to Theocracy. “The Treason” kicks up the tempo and energy with a great galloping riff and a rather technical solo pointing to the variety of guitar solo offerings on this album.
“Storyline” is poised as a ballad on the album, with a slower tempo and tender chord progression. However, shortly after the intro, the heavy guitars come in and never go away taking away the opportunity for a truly dynamic ballad. “Battle Hymn” is another epic that lands well showcasing a rousing singalong chorus. I appreciate the variety in guitars and drums in keeping interest up over the various sections, however the transition out of the developmental section into the final round could have been smoothed. “The Broken Thorn” is a high energy power metal thrasher and “The Mist” showcases sudden tempo and meter shifts making for a more cerebral experience, spotlighting some great bass work.
The 12 minute epic closer strings together many of the earlier elements with some unique finale fireworks such as the polyphonic vocals near the end. A common musical motif threads the song together over the various sections that make use of a false ending that is used to build to a climax only to pull back to build back up again. At its last peak, a piano comes in softly to conclude this epic song landing the listener back into reality.
It is great to hear WS back and in fine form. It is not the most showy release, but there is something irresistible about “The Eclipse of Worlds” that keeps me coming back. Sure, I’ve heard fancier solos, meatier riffs, and would love a little smoother transition from time to time, however the high energy, catchy melodies and lyrical truths speak to what really matters to me in good music. Hopefully it won’t be another 7 years before we get another record from them, but just in case, you may want to pick up a copy.
Rating: 9.0/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Land of Light
2 – Divine Power
3 – The Eclipse of Worlds
4 – The Treason
5 – Storyline
6 – Battle Hymn
7 – The Broken Thorn
8 – The Mist
9 – When Worlds Collide
Within Silence is:
Martin Klein – vocals
Richard Germanus – rhythm and lead guitars
Marian Gonda – lead guitar
Viktor Varga – bass
Peter Pleva – drums
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Record Label: Ulterium Records
Discography:
2015: Gallery of Life [review]
2017: Return From The Shadows [review]
2024: The Eclipse of Worlds
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Video for Battle Hymn
Video for ‘Divine Power’