Artist: Silent Scream
Title: Public Execution
Genre: Post Punk
Date: 23rd November 2012 / 11th January 2013
Label: Stupido / Danse Macabre
Album Review
2012 was a great year for the Finnish Gothic/ EBM/ Synth Pop scene, with releases by Wreckdance, Impakt!, Oldschool Union among many others. One of the last albums of what must have been a record year in the history of Finnish dark alternative music was the second long-player by SILENT SCREAM. Their debut album 'In the Cinema' was released in September 2010, but the Helsinki-based trio has a long history in VARJO. This is evident in how Laine's impressive drumming and Pallasoja's snarling, ultra-low bass are just as elemental to the band as Lautala's gritty, angular guitars and stern vocals.
The band member's long experience is also manifested in the ease with which the band blends a variety of influences into their unique mix - KILLING JOKE, JOY DIVISION and SWANS come to mind, just to name a few. Despite multitude of sources of inspiration, the album makes a very cohesive impression: There simply is no weak moments. On the other hand, unlike in VARJO albums and 'In The Cinema', there is no instant favourites, either. That is not to say that the album would not get under my skin: on the contrary, its desolate bleakness ties my stomach in knots.
'Public Execution' leaves a heavier impression than its predecessor; wistful melodies and horror punk -inspired lyrics are gone for good and replaced by ominous soundscape and anti-war & apocalyptic themes. This is post-punk in its rawest, grimmest form. If you enjoy early post-punk, Batcave and the like, make sure not to miss this one!
Tracklist
01. Public Execution
02. Rotten Days
03. Last Living Witness
04. Spirit Invocation
05. Nine Black Sunrises
06. Haunted
07. Skull Face Child
08. The New European Son
09. Dying Dreams
10. Revenant
11. Meat
Line-up
Antti Lautala – vocals, guitars, synth
Matthew Pallasoja – bass, vocals
Jukka Laine – drums
Website
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Silent-Scream-Helsinki/113354838733929
Cover Picture
Rating
Music: 9
Sound: 9
Extras: -
Total: 9 / 10
