Gods of Silence: Neverland (Rock of Angels)

Swiss melodic/progressive/power metal band Gods of Silence made their official debut this year with the Dennis Ward-produced album Neverland. I say “official” because Gods of Silence is more or less the extension of the band Kirk. 4/5 of that band is on board here, plus new singer Gilberto Melendez, and this is more of a rebranding than a real debut.

Regardless of whether you see Gods of Silence as a new or continuing band, there’s no denying the impact Neverland makes. This is a very hard-hitting and well-crafted melodic metal album. Like the Kirk albums, Neverland steps into progressive metal territory and has some power metal moments, but for the most part it sits in that melodic metal space that bands like Serious Black, Jorn and Masterplan occupy. And better yet Gods of Silence holds their own in that elite company. The musicianship is top-notch, the melodies are infectious enough to balance the heavy rhythms, and Melendez’ vocals are full of power. “Army of Liars,” “Demons” and the title track are all standouts, but the whole album is strong.

This one seems to be flying under the radar, which is a real shame. I’d put Neverland right up there with the best melodic metal albums of 2017. It’s certainly an album that fans of Serious Black, Jorn, Nocturnal Rites, Masterplan, Evergrey and Thunderstone ought to love. Fans of Kirk especially will want to follow Gods of Silence, but hopefully the new name and new energy will reach the audience this killer album deserves.