Silent Winter is certainly one of the most talked about european power metal bands nowadays. That happens not only due to the fact that its debut was a surprise for a lot of people, but also because Silent Winter has Mike Livas in its ranks; Livas is without a doubt one of the best power metal vocalists of our times. The sophomore Silent Winter album sounds like a sonic oasis in the power metal desert! “Empire of Sins” puts Silent Winter in the pantheon of today’s power metal. Silent Winter stands now on the top of their category, thanks to an album that’s satisfactory from the first to the last song. There is unique inspiration in this album, which is integrated in anthemic power metal songs. The band from Thessaly, Greece, knows how to compose power metal hymns, which have all the ingredients of the genre, following the all well-known standards (put by Helloween, Stratovarius, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Edguy, etc), but at the same time avoiding all the clichés. Silent Winter obviously has real passion, plenty of energy and a wonderful vision, which lead them to this superb euro power offering! And last but not least, the Greeks have a great technique, which makes things easier for them and stuns the listener; Livas’ incredible voice is pure delight (listen to the high notes! Oh my God!), the awesome guitar phrases are beyond satisfactory, the rhythm section works as a solid and strong basis. Don’t miss this power metal gem, it is a true treasure for every fan of heavy music!
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CzkqjmC82I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imjNGqExt8k
