Silver Seraph - Silver Seraph


Year of Release: 2002
Label: Regain Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 41:43:00

What a strange breed Silver Seraph is. Neo-classical melodic rock is the term I'd associate with it, but it has influences from everything like Rainbow and Dio through to Royal Hunt.

It's notable for the solid line-up attached to it that includes keyboardist Richard Andersson (Majestic), vocalist Pete Sandberg (Alien, ex-Midnight Sun), and drummer Peter Wildoer (Majestic, ex-Darkane & Arch Enemy). As I said, we have some classical rock that is very atmospheric and very keyboard dominant, and if you pictured a less heavy, smoother At Vance without the power-metal oriented vocals of Oliver Hartmann and you'd be spot on with Silver Seraph. One thing I'd say about the album, apart from being as catchy as hell, is that it is extremely consistent. So consistent in fact that I'm hard pressed to find any major faults with the album. It's fairly simple and supple and it's a very nice album to listen to.

I find the homage to the 70s and 80s a bit too much at times - not because it is badly done (because it isn't) but because it is a little tiresome, especially on tracks like "Nosferatu" and the ballad "Desperate Heart." Although, to the bands credit, each time they reference the old stuff they manage to inject a) a lot of enthusiasm, and b) modern references. Both of these means the album is never really stale. The more interesting numbers are interesting because of the smooth approach of Sandberg as well as the manipulative work of Andersson whose control and precision and knowledge of music is expressive and joyous to listen to. It's less reliant on power metal solos than other Swedish bands, but at times the album can be heavy-ish - "Black Rain" and "Aftermath" - but in reality the album centres around melodic rock or, if you like, a neo-classical, more complex version of Pink Cream 69.

Again, another enjoyable album that won't have you fist-pumping nor have you whining. If melodic rock, with neo-classical and progressive tendencies, interests you and if you have a taste of Rainbow, Dio, and Deep Purple then you'll be more than happy with this album.

Similar To: Royal Hunt, At Vance, Rainbow, Deep Purple

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]


Tracklisting:
Aftermath / 7th Day Of Babylon / Cry From Hell / Desperate Heart / Shadowland / Shadow / Nosferatu / In The Dark / Black Rain / Loving You

Musicians:
Richard Andersson - keyboards
Pete Sandberg - vocals
Peter Wildoer - drums
Jorgen Birch - guitar
Jens Lundahl - bass

Discography:
Silver Seraph (2002)

Genre: Melodic Rock/AOR

Origin SE

Added: February 20th 2005
Reviewer: Gary Carson
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 1746
Language: english

  

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