Label: earMUSIC
Review by Tony Cannella
Those reigning kings and queen of A Cappella metal return with their fourth album “Break the Silence”. Of course I am talking about Germany’s Van Canto, who continues to be one of the more unique and exciting bands on the metal scene. On “Break the Silence”, Van Canto has focused on original material, while still adding their usually interesting covers. The majestic “If I Die In Battle” is a strong opener, which is followed by the excellent “The Seller of Souls”. “Primo Victoria” by the Swedish metal band Sabaton is the first of the covers and features a guest appearance from Sabaton frontman Joakim Broden. “Dangers In My Head” is next and a pounding metal anthem that sees male vocalist”taking on the bulk of the vocals with support on the choruses by Inga. “Black Wings of Hate” is an excellent atmospheric number with Inga – who is in fine voice – taking on most of the vocals. The second cover is an interesting version of the Alice Cooper song “Bed of Nails”. “Spelled in Waters” is next and features a guest appearance from Marcus Siepen of the German fantasy metal band Blind Guardian on acoustic guitar. “Neuer Wind” is next and a great track sung in German. “The Higher Flight” is next and is an up-tempo powerful rocker. The closing number is a cover of the Manowar song “Master of the Wind” which brings things to a wistful and appropriate conclusion. Manowar fans should love this version as Inga really sings her heart out on this one – you’ve got to love the passion behind it and it is a totally faithful version. It still boggles the mind that Van Canto are able to come up with such great and heavy albums with their only instruments being their voices. I would say that Van Canto has far surpassed most people’s expectations, in both their longevity and the high quality of their albums. With “Break the Silence”, I think it is safe to say that Van Canto are no longer a novelty, but a serious metal band who continue to make significant contributions in the world of metal.
Rating – 92/100
Tracklist
- If I Die In Battle
- The Seller of Souls
- Primo Victoria (feat. Joakim Broden from Sabaton)
- Dangers in My Head
- Black Wings of Hate
- Bed of Nails
- Spelled in Waters (feat. Markus Siepen from Blind Guardian)
- Neuer Wind
- The Higher Flight
- Master of the Wind
Line-Up
- Inga – Lead Vocals
- Sly – Lead Vocals
- Stef – Lower Rakkatakka Vocals
- Ross – Higher Rakkatakka Vocals
- Jan – Deep Dandan Vocals
- Basti – Drums