Review: “Where The Silence Reigns” by As The Sun Falls

A new beginning. A fresh start. A clean slate. Perhaps that’s going a little bit too far but “Where The Silence Reigns” does mark the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing saga of As The Sun Falls as they are joined by a new vocalist in Mikko Voutilainen of Volturyon fame. The new record comes two years after the release of their EP “Far Beyond“, a portrait of a Goddess in Melodic Death Metal from a project that unfurled its wings in the spring of 2020. At that time it was a solo project for guitarist and songwriter Jani Mikkänen, an outlet for personal introspection that eventually evolved into a collaborative endeavour that explored themes encompassing Nordic winter, Finnish cultural elements, solitude and mortality…

Meandering melancholic acoustic guitars bring to life the beast that is “The Wanderer” before all that is quiet, peaceful and serene is shattered in time honoured fashion with a roar from Voutilainen as Melodic Death Metal guitars bring the song to critical mass. The dark melodies of the introduction aren’t lost however, rising to the surface once more in electrified fashion as the thought provoking lyrics echo around the icy caverns, delivered with aplomb, an almost theatrical quality to the performance evident despite their brutal tones. There are hints at both Folk and Progressive Metal within the dark waters of this sonic creation, it’s soothing warmth calming the savage beast, the depth of emotion captured within the performance making for something truly special. “Trees As My Gravestone” follows a similar path through the unforgiving landscape, paying homage to their Finnish roots and the likes of Dark The Suns with another vibrant, epic and dark piece. There is sense of tranquillity to be found here, evident when the Finnish spoken word moment rises to the surface in the centre of this six and a half minute masterpiece, the five piece capable of stirring the soul by offering uplifting music with a mournful edge. This one finishes elegantly with a moment of piano that is the icing on the metaphorical cake, a simple nuance that some might consider throw away and yet its presence and the bands attention to detail in including it is to be applauded. Blast beats and orchestration in perfect harmony give “Where The Silence Reigns” a real zest, as does a stunning virtuoso solo before As The Sun Falls wonder into Progressive Metal territory without losing any of the cinematic qualities held within the songs heart. An enthralling and captivating instrumental of the grandest of proportions, this really does need a huge and significant auditorium like the Royal Albert Hall to match its stature [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. The Wanderer
2. Trees As My Gravestone
3. Where The Silence Reigns

“Where The Silence Reigns” by As The Sun Falls is out 13th October 2023 with pre-orders available over at bandcamp.