The band's name and fantastic cover art with a load of wolves might misguide one to think, that this is gothic metal or something like that. However, that's not the whole truth about this, Before Silence's first release.

'The Screaming Wolves' introduce a band performing dark heavy metal, influenced by Symphony X and Stratovarius (well, some riffs and synths, but not the dark aspect, hehe). Multilayered synthesizer work creates a robust feel of gothic and therefore the music is quite different from aforementioned bands' works. I could even say, that Before Silence have a style of their own. But there's a reverse side to this, as the songs are a bit too similar.

Soundwise this is crappy, but this was recorded at home. Every element is audible, but drums aren't powerful at all. Guitars and bass, however, are. Guitars are quite hefty indeed. Clean vocals are sung in middle register. The band's performance is far better than the sound.

If gothic heavy metal does taste to you, why not check out Before Silence's website and all three songs of 'The Screaming Wolves'? The band definitely needs a better production work to bring out their strong aspects.

Reviewed by Lane
10/08/2005 23:13