Before the Dawn – Soundscape of Silence

Releasedate: 31-10-2008; Label: Stay Heavy Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

Before the Dawn is a melodic Dark Metal band from Finland which started in 1999 as a solo project of Tuomas Saukkonen. During the years, there were some more official members added and some have gone as well. Now Before the Dawn released their 5th album “Soundscape of Silence” the line up consists of three man, as during the recordings their drummer dropped out.

“Soundscape of Silence” (isn’t that a great title for a James Bond movie?) is a melodic album with a lot of up tempo songs.
Most mentionable point here is the balance between the drums and the melodic parts. From the melodic riffs on the foreground to the drums stepping forward is smoothly arranged. The total sound of Before the Dawn might be compared to what their compatriots Amorphis is doing lately. Often they choose to go for that dark, cold atmosphere that makes you remember to a cold winter as you will get them in Finland.
Songs like “Dying Sun” and “Savior” are songs that stick in mind. You remember them first as being from the “Soundscape to Silence” album.

For those who also own the “Deadlight” album, I can only advise to get this album as well, since the album is a logical new step and while “Deadlight” was quite a good one as well, “Soundscape to Silence” tops it! For those who got their earlier albums like “4:17 am” and “The Ghost” you might be aware that the band has gone quite harder. The vocals are deeper than ever before and the sound has got a vicious edge. Don’t cut yourself while plucking this thorny rose, even though it is the most beautiful one to have in your vase.

Links:
Before the Dawn MySpace
Before the Dawn Official