POSTHUMOUS SILENCE

"Posthumous Silence", the fifth album by German progressive band Sylvan, is based on an extraordinarily impressive concept that cannot be escaped. The melodic neo-prog that the group unleashes upon you forms the perfect backdrop for the story of this captivating masterpiece. It is about a father who, after losing his daughter, finds her diary. As he begins to read it, he discovers her worries, fears and problems. Then it becomes clear why she committed suicide. In addition to this evocative story and the fitting music, there are various distorted voices that add an extra grim layer to the dramatic whole. Despite the album being more gripping than is good for you, there is no doubt about its integrity.

Apart from a distinctive opener and closer, "Posthumous Silence" consists of five chapters, each comprising two or three songs. However, you can't tell that from the music; it flows seamlessly as a cohesive whole. It beautifully transitions between soundscape-like sections and full-band tracks. Let me mention some impressive moments and there are many.

Eternity Ends is the beautiful intro. Here, we hear a heavenly choir that immediately sharpens your senses in this haunting song.

The chapters begin. With a melancholic piano theme, Volker Söhl introduces the musical leitmotif of the album in Bequest Of Tears. It is a gorgeous theme that appears at various places throughout the album. Give me four notes and I'm already hooked.

The following In Chains is a fantastic song where Sylvan demonstrates, over eight and a half minutes, that they are not averse to powerful and energetic music. Singer Marco Glühmann occasionally sounds like the venomous frog from Rage Against The Machine, belting out his lyrics as if they bother him. Meanwhile, there are sharp chords and delightful guitar solos. There is also a milder passage with a beautiful keyboard escapade and a magnificent guitar solo. This song touches on a universal theme ? who hasn't felt chained in life?

After the electrifying Bitter Symphony, the incredibly beautiful Pain Of Truth unfolds. Lovely piano playing, atmospheric keyboards and sensitive vocals set the tone at the beginning and when the song is almost finished (and emotions are soaring high), Stephanie Richter appears with her resonating cello. Such beautiful vocal lines and Kay Söhl's guitar speaks magnificently once again.

The third chapter contains three songs, including the intense Forgotten Virtue and the graceful The Colors Changed. It is safe to say that Sylvan, with bassist Sebastian Harnack and drummer Matthias Harder, has an excellent rhythm section. The music always sounds dynamic, ranging from subdued to bombastic. Especially Harnack shows that he possesses a great deal of creativity. Many basslines are highly lyrical and melodic, yet also a bit idiosyncratic. The Colors Changed represents a euphoric turning point. Familiar?

Answer To Life is a captivating song. However, a small criticism, the second vocal harmony in the choruses could have been a bit less dominant. Overall, it is another excellent Sylvan song that fits well into the overall album.

Message From The Past, based on the album's main theme, paves the way for the intense The Last Embrace and the solemn A Kind Of Eden. Through the siren of a police car and a fragment of a news report, Sylvan faces the challenging task of concluding the concept in a dignified manner. They succeed with flying colors. First, the piano plays the theme that the entire album revolves around, then the electric guitar takes over. It sounds larger than life in all its melodiousness. It really doesn't get any better than this.

The members of Sylvan must have been extremely proud when they left the studio and sent their product to the world. They probably couldn't have foreseen the extent to which they would touch many people. "Posthumous Silence" has an unparalleled depth, both lyrically and musically. Actually, the album is too good as it is.

Orginally posted on www.progenrock.com