Billy Talent fans can rest easy; though the Canadian rockers make their departure from numerical titles with Dead Silence, the album is far from any sort of reinvention.
Neither is it the subtle evolution that you would expect from a Billy Talent IV. Instead, what the hyperactive four-piece have created is an album of politically-fuelled splendour that builds on every aspect of the band’s design and have thrown some new cards on the table that do nothing but enhance the outcome.
Simply put, this gripping, highly polished release is Billy Talent’s strongest to date.
At a running time of 54 minutes, this 14-track effort is the band’s longest yet and quality is ever-present throughout the whole record.
Acoustic prelude ‘Long Road To Absolution’ features a foreboding vocal unison between frontman Benjamin Kowalewicz and guitarist Ian D’Sa and effectively paves the way for the band’s infectious and driving first single ‘Viking Death March.’
Sophomore single ‘Surprise, Surprise’ is one of the group’s most memorable with dropped guitars, deep grooves and sickeningly catchy vocals.
‘Runnin’ Across The Tracks’ introduces authentic D’Sa brand hammers and induces an adrenaline rush that is only heightened with ‘Love Was Still Around’, a standout track displaying a masterful vocal prowess and some intense guitar runs.
The second half of Dead Silence slows things down with a shift towards more epic, anthemic territory on tracks like ‘Crooked Minds’ and ‘Cure For The Enemy.’
The slower songs are broken up with classic Billy Talent gems – such as frantic fast-paced jam ‘Man Alive!’ which gives the album a frenzied pace and keeps things interesting.
The album throws its final curveball with climatic piano-laden anthem ‘Swallowed Up By the Ocean’ before finishing in authentic Billy Talent style with battling vocal harmonies and trademark grooves on title track ‘Dead Silence.’
Brilliant from start to finish, Dead Silence should appeal to a music fan that thrives on any thread of catchy rock n’ roll.
Billy Talent & Sum 41 Australian Tour Dates 2013
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER, 9AM
TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY
SYDNEY, UNSW ROUNDHOUSE – Licensed All Ages
www.ticketek.com.au
THURSDAY 28 FEBRUARY
MELBOURNE, THE PALACE – 18+
www.oztix.com.au, Oztix outlets and www.ticketek.com.au
