Enjoyable album with some solid progressions and quality fret work.
Silent Opera is a four piece symphonic metal band from Italy. Not much is known about them as they have assumed characters in a love story with the vocals being provided by Lady Victoria who is immortal. She eventually meets Rain, (guitar), who takes the last drop of an elixir created by her and also becomes eternal. They later encountered kindred spirits Sir Alexander, (Bass), and Shadow, (Drums) who joined them and so Silent Opera was born. Their story ‘Immortal Beauty’ was released at the end of 2011.
The album inter-twines symphonic and melodic metal together with some added gothic tinges. ‘Hidden Lies’ opens with a soaring progression and crunchy riff underneath before a delicate vocal powered verse. The guitars return to firing on all cylinders for the chorus. ‘Morning Star’ follows a similar vein with a dual guitar attack to open before a more sedate verse; if there was one more commercial track this is it. ‘Lilium’ is a more epic styled song with a grand symphonic background to the verses before a pounding slow riff kicks in. Silent Opera show they can shift things up a few gears as well. ‘Chapter 7’ starts with some very gothic keys before Victoria appears, the drums hammer away and then the song explodes into a considerable gallop. Like many symphonic acts, Silent Opera includes two songs that feature male and female vocals. ‘Always With You’ is a thundering metal number with a powerful progression and features producer Michael Guaitoli. ‘Your Muse’ contains the only vocal contribution from Rain and is the most up to date sounding song with a modern riff. But the best track here is the nine minute ‘The Silent Opera’ which builds from an almost military sounding beginning to a catchy progression on the guitar. Victoria’s vocals climb in intensity as it reaches its climax, along with Rain’s riff in the interludes.
This is a good symphonic debut from Silent Opera. A possible comparison is early Nightwish meets early Bob Catley and it may be best described as a more vintage style symphonic metal. For most bands in the genre it is usually the female lead vocalist that is the star of the band. On this occasion however it is Rain that stands out with some delicious six string action and some nicely constructed and well played melodies. He is also responsible for the keys and these add a great texture. Lady Victoria has a traditional operatic voice which is a little different to the normal metal singers. She certain has plenty of range and pitch but the classical delivery may not be quite to everyone’s liking. The production side is first class with a wonderfully fresh and polished sound, especially when considering this is a debut.
If you are a scholar of symphonic metal then this is an enjoyable album with some solid progressions and quality fret work. But whilst it is a good release, those with more of a passing interest in symphonic albums may be best served sticking to the established acts.
Dave Scott
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