TRANSFIGURATION MCD Page 2.
ESOTERICA WEBZINE (ENGLAND).
I first saw Unsilence supporting Anathema back in July of last year - the emphasis here being on the word saw, because the Rio's soundman apparently had done his level best to make them entirely inaudible, so I couldn't actually discern much from the sonic filth which poured forth from the sound rig. Bloody Rio's. No matter; on CD, Unsilence are significantly more impressive. My Dying Bride's Like Gods of the Sun is the most obvious reference point, and a comparison I don't doubt the band have heard many times before, although this doesn't extend to the vocals; fortunately these don't emulate Stainthorpe's irritating whinge, instead going for a cleaner tone. This does the job sufficiently well and can even be soothing, but as a whole the singing can be a little samey. Nonetheless, the band play well and have a sound of their own, despite their obvious influences, utilising keyboards where it's appropriate, and the mandatory maudlin violin, to create effectively downcast atmospheres. Quite why the north of England produces such a large number of bands of this kind is beyond me, but luckily for them, Unsilence are certainly amongst the upper ranks of the melodic doom hierarchy. This is a well-presented mini-CD from a band who've been around for some time; that they are experienced is clear, and recording at the Academy was the obvious choice and has lent the band an appropriate and suitably polished, yet crunchy, sound. If I was to criticise, I'd have to say that there no really dark sections; sure, Unsilence are moody and mournful, but they lack the blighted psyches which produced, say, My Dying Bride or Anathema's best work. Still, I'd be pleased to hear more from this lot, and not surprised to find them signed to a real label (not the crappy Seven Art they hitched with briefly, before the former's liquidation!) in the near future.
Review by James Hinchliffe.
TERRORIZER (ENGLAND).
A scaled down version of the Esoterica Webzine review.
Beset by frustrating label difficulties over their seven-year existence, Unsilence have cut out the middleman and released their own MCD. 'Transfiguration" is very much in the northern doom vein, as typified by the likes of My Dying Bride and Anathema, but by now they have developed their own take on the genre. The vocals can be a little samey but the riffage and the use of violin create an effective air of sadness.
Review by Jamew Hinchliffe. Contact: www.terrorizer.com
CERBERUS ZINE (FINLAND).
Yes, if you can't find a label to work with, why don't you just do it yourself. It seems like Unsilence are totally fed up with the sloth of labels they've been in contact with and thus decided to release something on their own. And when I'm listen ing to 'Transfiguration" I can admit it was the right thing to do. If there were nothing irreplaceable or ageless music on 'Choirs of Memory', then I think 'Transfiguration' is quite a strong piece of doomy metal showing that this band have actually lots of style in their mournful chords. And the first impression lasts after several listening times and lonely hours I've spent with 'Transfiguration'. All of these three songs are far better arranged than the previous material and now they have also succeed in to get a clear but heavy production at Academy Studio. Even though I'd say that Unsilence have created a sound of their own, or lets say a recognizable sound, there are musically some similarity with, well maybe you've guessed already what bands I'm after at right now? Yes, Anathema and My Dying Bride. But having influences from those two is for sure nothing to sneer at, most doom bands have them anyway and at least in this case we can not talk about straight copying. The band have been playing for over 7 years by now and the wings of plagiarism doesn't really carry anyone this far... Best sides of 'Transfiguration' are those catchy guitar leads played over heavy rhythms and considered use of violin. Only the desolate vocals could have more variation. Andrew should 'play' more with his voice and have maybe a bit more desire to experiment. You have the capacity, just let it loose and the music rises even higher levels.
Review by Asmo Moisanen. Contact: hellhound@sunpoint.net
CHAOS MAGAZINE (GERMANY).
Allright, I guess pure doom metal in the vein of Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass and in this case especially Solstice doesn't exactly meet the favour of the common Chaos-reader, but nevertheless I'd like to recommend this jewel. As I mentioned, this British band is quite similar to Solstice, this means you'll get melancholic yet powerful doom-hymns that are not boring at all, as Unsilence vary the tempo of their songs quite often. The singer's voice is crystal-clear and he does a very good job. As the sound of these 3 songs is great, too (Academy Studios), I urge you to purchase this CD, because highlights in the doom genre are very rare. 9/10
Review by Martin Muller.
A FIRE ON THE SEA
The new album
from Unsilence, out now on Nine Records (Poland). Availible on CD and
download, click here to order.
UNDER
A TORN SKY
The debut album from
Unsilence, still available on CD, Vinyl and download. Click here
for more info.