SYMPHORCE „Godspeed”

Music: Modern Melodic Metal
Country: Germany
Website: http://www.symphorce.net


Cool Songs: Everlasting Life, The Mirrored Room, Black Water, Nowhere, Wounds Will Last Within, Without A Trace.

Album number five from Germany’s ‘Symphorce’ and they just keep on getting better. I’ve always had a lot of time for this band, particularly as they feature one of my favourite vocalists in the game: Mr. Andy B.Franck. Their early material had a slightly generic power metal feel, but with 2004’s ‘Twice Second’ they really established a harder edge, yet melodically pleasing modern metal sound. Having been floored by Andy’s efforts on the latest Brainstorm disc (Liquid Monster), I was keen for another dose of his velvet laden pipes on this new Symphorce effort. But in all honesty, I wasn’t expecting things to be this good.

Symphorce are very quickly becoming one of the most underrated metal bands around. Granted, the Andy B Franck/Brainstorm connection has obviously helped, but for me, they still seem to fly under the radar. The slightly quirky European sound of previous albums may have also held them back somewhat. With the release of ‘Godspeed’, hopefully this will change. Any perceived quirkiness has now been ironed out of their song writing and as such this album stands as the logical progression from last years ‘Twice Second’.

The most striking development has occurred with their chorus melodies. Led by the phenomenal range and emotive power of Andy B, this thing has some massive chorus hooks and thoroughly convincing vocal lines that will have you smiling for weeks. Backed by some huge energetic riff work and excellent lead solos from axe duo Cedric Dupont and Markus Pohl, plus the bright and satisfyingly heavy production from Dennis Ward (Angra/Pink Cream etc) Godspeed’ is a magnificent sounding album.

Stylistically, there is nothing new about the ‘Symphorce’ metal blueprint. Their whole philosophy is about writing straight ahead, energy laden modern metal songs. They take their cues from the likes of classic Queensryche meets Nevermore and Evergrey. Many before them have tried similar combinations. But of course, the crux is the song writing – Symphorce have always had the ability to come up with some memorable moments on past efforts, but with ‘Godspeed’ they have absolutely nailed eleven killer tunes. Seriously, the step up in quality that this new album exposes is amazing. Track after track Andy B soars like only he can do; the riffs crunch with a wicked groove and swagger and the choruses imbibed with delightful infectiousness. Listen to the chorus of ‘Everlasting Life’ and tell me you’ve heard a better modern metal track this year. Hear ‘Black Water’ and deny its eerie groove and understated experimentation. Witness the stunning slide guitar flavour of ‘Mirrored Room’ and try; just try to ignore that chorus. Listen to the entire thing finally accept the god like vocal presence of Andy B. I could go on and on.

‘Godspeed’ is the catchiest modern metal sounding album I’ve heard this year. Its melodic quota is simply overflowing. The musicianship is extremely professional and loaded with fresh, energetic riff work. And for those punters yearning the return of the lead solo in metal, you’d do well to find something more involved than this. Dupont and Pohl simply tear it up on this. Symphorce’s time is now. They’re far from being an obscure metal act, but some well deserved international exposure is well overdue. ‘Godspeed’ is one of those albums that refuse to leave my headspace. If you love well written, heavy, melodic metal backed by an awesome vocalist, I’m sure it’ll do the same for you.

note: Quote: 9

Tracklist

Foresight
Everlasting Life
No Shelter
Nowhere
Haunting
Black Water
Wounds Will Last Within
Your Cold Embrace
Without A Trace
The Mirrored Room
Crawling Walls For You

Line-up

Andy B. Franck – Vocals
Cedric Cede Dupont – Guitar
Markus Pohl – Guitar
Dennis Wohlbold – Bass
Sascha Sauer – Drums