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A.C.T.: Silence

Release

Style

This is the first release of Swedish A.C.T on the progressive label Inside Out. This does not mean they have switched styles whatsoever, because regarding the number of tracks (19!) you may not expect long symphonic and/or bombastic musical masterpieces.

And yet there is a certain evolution compared with their previous albums, because this time they are tackling a real progressive epos with accompanying concept. The last track (neatly spread over 8 tracks) lasts for some 23 minutes and I would describe it as the ‘Octavarium’ of A.C.T. Consequences sounds really progressive with a nice balance between quiet ballads and heavy sequences, naturally with those typical characteristics of the band, the ‘poppy voice’ of Herman, de beautiful guitar solos of Ola, the virtuosic drum patterns of Thomas and the vocals in harmony. Bass and keyboards are naturally also very good, but nevertheless always a bit in the background. The instrumental ‘Silent Scream’ references Dream Theater, a ‘melo’ introduction on piano almost instantly followed by pure progressive metal in a track of not even 2 minutes. The story tells the tragic life of a certain Joanna, who is desperately in need of a child. The band refers for its influences to bands like Muse, Rush, Saga, ELO, UK en Supertramp, personally I would also add Queen, 10cc and even Abba (well illustrated in a song like ‘Polish, Reduce, and Enlarge’). And the reference to Abba is certainly not meant in a negative way, but is simply a proof of strong compositions, where harmonious vocals are predominant. But the band has also evolved in a musical way, Andromeda drummer Thomas Lejon is showcasing here the best you can possibly hear, his whirling ‘metal’ play on cymbals and double bass drum fits perfectly well A.C.T. ‘Joanna’ can be called ‘neo progressive rock’ in the vein of bands like Arena and IQ, in the heavier parts the music has more of the above mentioned ‘Dream Theater’, like in the beautiful ‘finale’ ‘The final silence’, neded with an amazing guitar solo.

‘Consequences’ by itself already justifies the purchase of this album, but the rest is of the same high level. The beginning track ‘Truth is Pain’ shows immediately the strength of the band, melodic songs with apart and contra rhythms, mostly followed by some nice solos on guitar and keyboards. The album is a lot more varied than its predecessor, you may hear some fusion in ‘Out of Ideas’, a bit jazz or rock and roll and on many tracks there is plenty of room for violins. ‘Hope’ starts with a power Metal intro, followed by a melodic refrain with at the end symphonic or even bombastic parts, a magnificent song. In a nutshell, each track has a lot of power, even those tracks sounding at first like easy pop songs.

This album is in my opinion the best performance, that these Swedish guys have produced until now. They will probably always lead to some controversy, even amongst their greatest fans. You like them, or you dislike them, but I can’t wait to see them live, because their concerts are even better than their studio albums.. seems very promising!

Musicians

Today's Report (1999)

Imaginary Friends (2001)

Last Epic (2003)

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Last updated: 13 oktober 2006 .
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