THEN COMES SILENCE

I adore it when an album surpasses my already high expectations, especially considering the band's track record. Then Comes Silence, whose previous albums, particularly "Machine" and "Blood," captivated my ears, has delivered a masterpiece that not only meets but exceeds those expectations. It's a clear testament to their remarkable musical and artistic growth. "Trickery," slated for release on April 5, 2024, by Metropolis Records, is a pinnacle of post-punk artistry within a contemporary framework. Then Comes Silence has always forged a realm and vision steeped in their distinctive style, crafted by artists with unwavering dedication. Recorded by the trio following Mattias Ruejas Jonson's departure in 2022, the album embodies resilience against inner turmoil—adversities that propel them forward against all odds.

Already, we've been enchanted by the mesmerizing ode to friendship in "Ride or Die." What awaits within this musical opus is a fusion of darkness, vigour, pulsating rhythms, and melodies that enthral the senses. Alex Svenson's vocals weave seamlessly, binding the instrumentation with an exquisite finesse. From the emotive duet "Tears and Cries" to the flawless guitar arrangements of "Like a Hammer" and the enchanting allure of "The Masquerade," each track unveils a treasure trove of sonic delights.

Sharp riffs and haunting vocals in "Stay Strange," intriguing harmonies in "Stiff," and bold experiments in "Blind Eye" showcase the band's daring spirit. "Dead Friend" exudes a raw, electrifying energy, while "Runners" delivers a potent, emotive journey. The album's electronic finale, "Ghost House," envelops listeners in a tranquil reverie, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.

As the final notes of "Ghost House" fade into the ether, I found myself drawn into a spellbinding trance, captivated and enchanted. Beyond its musical mastery, the album resonates deeply with personal experiences, aesthetics, and the essence of musical virtuosity. It's a celebration of friendship, belonging, and the profound connections between souls—a reflection on life's essence, priorities, and conscious choices.

Like opening a treasure chest, the album reveals dazzling gems that dazzle the senses alongside more intricate, understated pearls. Contributions from artists such as Dusty Gannon, Emma Nylén (Emmon), Gözde Duzer (Aux Animaux) and Jörgen Wall add layers of depth, power, and variety, enriching an already illustrious palette. It's a truly magnificent album—my heartfelt congratulations to all involved.

https://thencomessilence.bandcamp.com/album/trickery

https://www.facebook.com/thencomessilence

Tracklist:

1.Ride or Die

2.Like A Hammer

3.Feel The Cold

4.Tears and Cries

5.Stay Strange

6.Stiffs

7.Blind Eye

8.The Masquerade

9.Never Change

10.Dead Friend

11.Runners

12.Ghost House

Release date: 05.04.2024

Label: Metropolis Records

Then Comes Silence hails from the heart of Stockholm, Sweden, with Alex Svenson as the sole original member since its inception in 2012. Their journey began amidst a whirlwind of frequent tours alongside A Place To Bury Strangers, fuelled by a fascination with horror and the occult. Over time, the German post-punk scene warmly embraced the band, offering them a newfound sense of belonging. With three albums released in rapid succession, Then Comes Silence garnered attention, leading to a collaboration with Nuclear Blast in 2016 and the release of 'Blood'. This partnership opened doors to exciting opportunities, thrusting the band into the spotlight. They embarked on ventures to captivate broader audiences, sharing stages with luminaries such as The Fields of the Nephilim and The Chameleons, while gracing renowned festivals like M'era Luna, Wave Gotik Treffen, Amphi Festival, Castle Party, and W-Festival, among others. Joined by drummer Jonas Fransson in 2015 and guitarist Hugo Zombie (formerly of Los Carniceros del Norte) in 2018, Then Comes Silence solidified their lineup, enhancing their sonic prowess and stage presence. Renowned as torchbearers of goth, post-punk, and darkwave, Then Comes Silence remains synonymous with consistent releases of top-notch material and relentless touring, earning their stripes as one of the genre's premier live acts.

Karolina KRATOCHWIL
14/03/2024