Silverlane – Inside Internal Infinity (Drakkar Entertainment)
Monday, 7th February 2022
Transforming from The Rising Force in 2005, Silverlane released two albums between 2008-2010 and toured as support for Lordi and Doro across Europe before an extended quiet period hit the group. The German quintet would return with latest singer Tom Klossek for this third album Inside Internal Infinity – featuring nine original tracks (plus the nursery rhyme staple “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” as intro) of steady melodic power metal with hints of modern commercial appeal. Between the diverse influences that come from domestic and overseas brethren as well as the polished, professional tones and execution, there’s plenty to investigate, process, and appreciate here.
These musicians subscribe to a proper balance between a driving, semi-aggressive guitar riff platform and supplementary keyboard/orchestration spots that heighten the hooks and transitions, encouraging bass/drum interplay that can be in the pocket while occasionally flexing prowess when called for. “Hero Inn Sunset Club” for instance has a pulsating nature tempo-wise, the extra exotic/calm flavors and wildly emotive/whammy-bar enhanced solo recalling everything from 80’s Yes and 90’s Savatage beyond the normal Brainstorm or Mob Rules-like mainframe. Triumphant symphonic strains enter along with an alternative rock-like vocal performance from Mr. Klossek during “Leviathan Rising”, the semi-staccato/progressive transition during the instrumental section alluring and dynamic while the subsequent melodies and harmonies shine. What melodic power metal outing wouldn’t be complete without a tear-jerking type of ballad, and “Soul of Tears” fits that bill, mirroring the work of everything from Queen to The Little River Band put through a Kamelot context. It’s clear that Silverlane aren’t afraid to inject modern groove/current modern rock twists as “Für Immer Und Ewig” (featuring Patty Gurdy) has that Evanescence-style ebb and flow as a duet on both the catchy main musical hook and passionate verse/chorus work, while “Blessed” has that background chant/stadium-oriented call and response nature which made Shinedown superstars.
Inside Internal Infinity allows Silverlane to come into 2022 as a newer, updated version of themselves executing a traditional form of melodic power metal while containing some endearing qualities that could garner them further attention from more mainstream music followers.
