ALBUM REVIEW: Iridescent – Silent Planet

Since their arrival in 2009, California’s SILENT PLANET have become an unstoppable force, evolving and impressing with each passing release. November 12th signals the next step for the band in the form of album Iridescent which will be released via UNFD. Will this release further cement their legacy as one of the most exciting bands in modern metal?

1-1-2 puts you on edge with powerful, ominous surges that lead directly into the ferocious intensity of Translate The Night. The slick transitions between mood and tone create an effective soundscape as you never quite know in which direction it is going to follow. The vocal range displayed by frontman Garrett Russell in this track alone is frightening, setting quite a foreboding precedent for what is to follow. Trilogy ups the intensity levels significantly, diving headfirst into frenetic drum beats and proficient riff work that leaves you reeling. Cracks of light seep into the piece as colourful, uplifting flourishes of melody soften the blow of the unravelling carnage.

Second Sun has no intention of letting the established adrenaline rush dissipate, charging on with exhilarating hooks and hefty grooves. The pockets of tranquility within the arrangement allow for the heavy sections to return with even more impact. Panopticon creates a dense, dramatic atmosphere that only gets more crazed as it progresses. Burly riffing joins forces with searing screams to form jarring waves of aggression. The Sound Of Sleep follows suit with a relentless onslaught of dissonant force. The vocal work steals the spotlight on this track, effortlessly switching between haunting cleans, passionate screams and ruthless growls.

Alive, As A Housefire proves to be even more eccentric than its predecessors, dialling up the technicality as you are bombarded by beatdowns, wild riff sequences and energetic drum patterns. Terminal adopts a steadier pacing as it gracefully floats through poignant passages, with the intensity remaining to ensure an impactful delivery. (liminal); offers up a brief intermission to catch your breath and digest what has unfolded thus far before teeing up the next chapter.

Anhedonia gets your blood pumping again as proficient riffing and formidable vocal blasts take hold. Snappy drumming elevates the crushing hooks and this mentality cascades into Till We Have Faces. The ebbing and flowing tempo keeps you on your toes and slots in seamlessly with the captivating vocal performance. Title track and album closer Iridescent immerses you in a tense soundscape that has you on the edge of your seat, hanging off every syllable. The closer we get to the final seconds the more insanity is unleashed, leaving you gasping as it departs.

SILENT PLANET continue to throw caution to the wind and construct fearless, creative offerings that can lift you up and break you down in equal measure. Iridescent takes you through a whirlwind of emotions and moods as it progresses, and the quality stands just as strong from beginning to end. The lyrical content deals with issues that are very prevalent in many lives and this will certainly resonate with the listener. Another top draw release from a top drawer band.

Rating: 9/10

Iridescent is set for release on November 12th via UNFD.

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