Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Symphorce - Godspeed - 2005 - Metal Blade Records

Track Listing1. 1. Forsight 2. Everlasting Life 3. No Shelter 4. Nowhere 5. Haunting 6. Black Water 7. Wounds Will Last Within 8. Your Cold Embrace 9. Without A Trace 10. The Mirrored Room 11. Crawling Walls For You

Somewhat of a rarity on the Metal Blade label, Symphorce have been putting out a steady stream of power metal albums for awhile now. The work rate of this band is particularly impressive when you look at Andy Franck's involvement in Brainstorm and their own consistent release schedule. Certainly a busy guy.

Well while Brainstorm takes a fairly direct route to german power metal, Symphorce is considerably more unique and works in hints of progressive into their sound. The riffs in this band are interesting in that they're fairly modern chug stuff for the most part but are far more varied than the general approach to the style. The riffs are usually changing and you also have the somewhat quirky but dark synth that works it's way in here and there. Andy's strong vocals are always a highlight and are often compared to Bruce Dickinson, but he really has a sound of his own in my opinion. Vocal distortion pops up now and again and also accents the music nicely and adds a cool vibe. In comparison to their past album, I don't think this one has quite as strong highlights, but overall I find the quality from track to track to be more consistent. It about evens out and I'd place this one on par with "Twice Second". Certainly worth picking up for fans of the band and anyone who likes somewhat different, heavy power with Bruce-esque vocals ala Steel Prophet.

Highlights: No Shelter, Nowhere, Everlasting Time

Rating - 3.5


--Stygian Steel 12.05.05