Beyond the Black – BREAK THE SILENCE

The opening track Rising High is a powerhouse song with blasting drums and raw energy surging through the guitar riffs.  The lyrics set up a the reoccurring imagery of this album; birds, wings and the act of taking flight are consistent, exploring the desire to seek freedom and reach out toward ones’ community. It’s an epic, full of wonder and power.

An important aspect of Break the Silence is words and their impact, as well as their absence. Here it is conveyed in poetic lyrics and careful creation. Beyond the Black explores multiple layers of emotion with the use of linguistics as a whole. The album is a mix of languages, bringing a worldly unity to the tracklist – something that resonates with listeners, regardless of where they are. This is backed by a collaboration of diverse artists; Lord of the Lost (Germany), The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices (Bulgaria) and Asami from Lovebites (Japan). Across the album there is a blend of vocals, with a duet for the Art of Being Alone, and the rhythmic chanting heard in Let There Be Rain serving as lasting impressions. Voices vary in numbers – at one point a determined and collective anthem, and at other times a gentle, ethereal moment of expression.

The message of unity is clear in mid-track “Ravens”, a beautiful song about bonds and strength in numbers. There is a running motif of an acoustic guitar that swells and flows throughout the track, painting the image of birds breaking through to the skies above. The soundscape makes it easy to visualise the imagery. It is an inspirational track to listen to, leaving one with hope.

Tschierschky’s drums create the foundation of each song, with solid pacing and blasting beats to accompany the driving guitars, artfully framing each story in the epic. Guitar styles are varied, from running ballads to powerful riffing, shaping the emotion of each piece. Genre wise there are sprinklings of dream-like synth and some dabbling into the electronic, bringing a modern edge to the sound. It feels like the perfect album for the current age and state of the world, presented with passion and a delivery that feels unified in its message and orchestration. Like the meaning behind the album, the band demonstrates how each member unites their individual talents as one to create an unforgettable listening experience.

Weltschmerz was a beautiful sending song for BtS, inducing goosebumps with Haben’s heavenly melodic vocals. She stands alone, band members silent as her voice rings out like a call, a siren searching, accompanied by melancholic, sustained strings that weave together seamlessly. The roots are deeply symphonic, emotive and the song embodies its title, translated as “world-pain.” Returned to her, united by the call the band has one last performance, a ringing percussion leaving the listener with something to reflect upon once it has all ended. This gentle finale following the power anthems of what came before touched on a bittersweet note, a peaceful winding down at the end of the journey.

Break the Silence was a phenomenal listen, delivering a message of hope in a time where it is needed most. It is catchy, memorable and powerful – emboldening the audience to reflect and come together in humanity. The words Beyond the Black speaks in their poetic craft and vigorous delivery leaves a positive imprint upon the soul.

‍

9/10

by GhostinthearmouR