Age of Silence is yet another "super" group, of "super" star musicians. These are popping up everywhere these days. Not necessarily a bad thing because there have been a few that have risen to the occasion and presented us with something fresh and exciting. Age of Silence seems to be dishing out a fresh plate of songs at first; and after you get past the Arcturus comparison/excitement the record seems to double over itself with twinkly, fruity synth antics and the overly dramatic vocals.

Nothing against Lazare (of Solefald fame), because he is a really adequate (if a tad quirky) vocalist, but this is just that one tad too much. During the record he comes off some kind of preacher, teaching the law of quantum physics in relation to human emotion. I think I would heavily enjoy this if I (and with me the metal generation) weren't mentally numbed down from all the mindless band lyrics over the past years. It's just too much information to process and only when tossed aside does the enjoyment really start to build up.

Mainly because the songs are all really solid, very dynamic and despite the mind numbing lyrics, very heavy on the sing along factor. It's a real treat listening to Acceleration at first, and even the second time, and another handful of listens after that, but there will come a time when the fun stops and an intense dislike towards the twinkly factor of the record starts to grow. In some songs it just gets to a point that a skip to the next song is necessary in fear of overdosing on happy-go-lucky synth wankery. Winter (of Winds fame) really missed the boat with that one, but redeems himself somewhat because in other parts of the record the synth work is outstanding. Just please no more twinky bits.

The artwork is exceptionally nice, and the theme presented in the lyrics flows forth in these pieces, adding a really wonderful touch to the overall feeling of the album. The rest of the "super" stars do their job adequately; Hellhammer (Mayhem, Arcturus, and a million of other bands) is his usual wonderful self, although sounding a bit more subdued behind the kit, Kobbergaard (By Pale Light, Winds) and Extant (By Pale Light) are in top form and Eikind (Winds) wraps things off nicely on the bass.

It's a real hit or miss album, the song writing is solid yet some of the instrumentation is down right horrible, the lyrics are mind numbing yet with your brain switched off perfect to sing along to. You can go either way, so try before you buy. (6.8/10)