Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Infliction - The Silencer - 2005 - Cruz Del Sur Music

Track Listing1. Eyeseeblack 2. Redhouse 3. Poisonradio 4. Welcome to... 5. Paperlife 6. Nocturnal 7. Sleepers 8. Closer 9. Thirtyseven 10. Breathe 11. The Voice

After two demo tapes and one full length album, Italy's Infliction emerges again with their brand new record for Cruz Del Sur Music entitled "The Silencer". Fans of more progressive, modern thrash acts should find this band very appealing, as their unique blend of prog, melodic death, and of course thrash elements is very enjoyable and rather addictive. At times bands like Scar Symmetry and Asperity come to mind, but for the most part the group have their own identity, making any comparisons to other bands very difficult. That is a positive sign that "The Silencer" may indeed be on to something here.

The band was formed in '95 and released their two demos "Heretical" and "The Bleeding Dreams" before releasing their debut album "Faint Smell Of Suicide" on the German label V.O.L. That album included guest appearances from members of Ancient, Mork Gryning, and Night In Gales. The group managed to tour with the likes of Night In Gales, Tiamat, Saxon, The Haunted and most recently Hatesphere. Now the Italians find themselves on the Cruz Del Sur label, and their sophomore effort firmly establishing themselves as a true force in the metal community. Fans of Night In Gales will take pleasure in Infliction's use of Bjorn Goosses as the frontman here, where Goosses seems to be a bit more "stable" than his work with NIG.

Musically the band is really all over the place, mixing this material with many different styles and elements. This is a thinking man's band and with that comes the ability to appeal to many different fans. Most hardcore and extreme fans will be pleased with Infliction's choppy riffs and tight drum work. At times the band even offer up some groove oriented numbers to gain some more catchy hooks and chorus parts. The keyboards come into play to add more dimension and angles for the group, really giving this album plenty of depth and "playing rotations" (collectors will understand). The clean vocal parts really are positioned nicely, never allowing Bjorn's harsh overtones to become too abrasive and dull. These guys are about change and diversity, and it all comes together perfectly. This is the type of band I would like to see on American television. "Headbanger's Ball", "Uranium", and "Metal Asylum" listen up. This is what we want to hear! A band that makes us think for a change.




--EC 12.18.05