SILENCE

Maybe a comparatively weaker release of A.C.T. Not a concept album though. Without previous very good album, this one would deserve at least 4.5 stars. I suspected that the lower score here is due to the drastic change in characteristic of the band, It doesn't, however, make this album any less interesting...actually maybe more.

A.C.T is well-known for a pop[per]-oriented style of progressive metal. The more the band progress toward maturity, the less cheesy metal it becomes. Unlike the previouses (especially the first), this one is not very (for my taste) aggressive. But all things I love about them are still there. Just a bit darker, more depressed and more profound. The musicianship and recording is still top notch. I like more the way they tempered with the guitar distortion (much less harshly distorted...much more transparent and better strings separation.) The drums are also less upfront- good. Might this the main reason of their noticeably characteristic drift-away? I don't know; however, I like the change though. It sound less discotheque and musically better.

All in all, good or bad album is just a matter of preference. To me this one is not that bad. It just not as spectacular as "Last Epic." A full 4 stars for this album.