Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Before Silence
Title
The Screaming Wolves
Type
LP/EP
Company
Independent
YOR
2004
Style
Power
9/8/2006 - Review by: Anthony Burke
Before Silence - The Screaming Wolves – 2004 – Independent

Track Listing
1. Salvation
2. The Screaming Wolf
3. Akinesia
This demo fell into my lap and just from looking at the simplistic artwork for the cover, I soon wondered if this is a sign of things to come?

Created in 2003 by Herve and Steve Dupont, these two guys from Belgium recruited 3 other members and Before Silence was born. This demo consists of JC (Vocals) who has since left the band in 2006 due to personal reasons, Philippe Laurent (Guitar), Steve Dupont (Keyboards), Cédric Vielvoye (Bass), and Herve (Drums) on this CD but was later replaced by Nicolas Guilitte.

The opening track is one that is dark and powerful, yet melodic and highly structured. The answer to that formula came in the form of song known as “Salvation”. With a good taste in my mouth, it is on to its follow up. Power driven, yet afterward, it leaves the listener wandering what they heard. It is very easy to forget. Our third and final piece of this puzzle came, and while not as fury driven as “Salvation”, it does offer up a multitude of complexity in the arrangement featuring guitar, bass, and keyboard solos as well as a more melodic vocal styling.

It is important to note that this is not a studio release. It has a demo-level production and poor sound quality. For the fan of a dark power metal (equivalent at times to King Diamond) with a hint of progressiveness (equivalent at times to Dream Theater), this is a demo worth trying to get your hands on. Since the inception of this demo, the band has also released two more discs, a promo called “Destroying Enemies” in 2005 and “The Ultimate Nothing” in 2006, which also marked the bands first studio release yet still self financed.

Rating: I am apt to say 6/10. The opening track had them finding their niche right away; however, the remaining two tracks leave the listener wondering where it went. Don’t misquote me, they are not bad, they are just not as memorable or commanding as in the song “Salvation”.



--IcedMojo 8.20.06


  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: BEFORE SILENCE
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
The Screaming Wolves
2004
Independent
Anthony Burke9/8/2006
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: BEFORE SILENCE
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


<< back >>