Search - Symphorce :: Godspeed

Symphorce: Full speed ahead with Godspeed.

Clifford Newsted | Oregon, USA | 09/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphorce-Godspeed

5

By: Clifford Newsted



I discovered Symphorce about two years ago; it was the recommendation of a friend. At the time Symphorce had released their last record entitled Twice Second. I wasn't too keen on the band. I couldn't hear anything that they were doing that stood apart from the pack. When they released Godspeed I was a little weary of taking the gamble again. The difference between Godspeed and the last record is like night and day. I was floored; I had to pop the disc out to see that it was the same band. In fact, it was and they have returned with their strongest material to date. They are just where they should be, they have progressed. They have perfected their sound, and rather than sounding like many bands they sound unique and like nothing I have heard before. They blend progressive metal, traditional metal, thrash metal riffs, I also hear some Disturbedisms happening on guitar, and traditional power metal. There's stuff on this record for everyone, the production is superb, strong songs, catchy choruses, and great vocals, off the hook musicianship. Godspeed could be a hits record by it's self, my favorite tracks on the album are "No Shelter," "Nowhere," "Haunting," "Without a Trace," and "The Mirrored Room." I have to add that the first three tracks on Godspeed set the tone, they followed the formula of all classic albums, and they put three strong tracks at the beginning. I also might add that "Nowhere" has this guitar intro that is very reminiscent of Metallica's "Sanitarium(Welcome Home)," which I find truly fascinating! Symphorce will chart in your top 10 of 2005, just give them a spin.

"

ANdy B is a new age metal icon.

K. Ann Nagel | LocustGrove, OK | 09/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"And very underrated. I rank this just right behind Brainstorms Liquid Monster. That album is still my album of the year and Ive bought 30 more records since that one. Well this is a close second. This is definetely a mix of power/thrash and yes Nu metal , but damn it it isnt some of the best Nu metal youll here. Its a little more straight a head compared to Nevermore , not as technical. Every song has something catchy or memorable about it. Some songs lead right into another but all sound totally different. Sascha's drumming is spot on and sharp as a razor. Some songs he does what he needs to help to song and others whod think he was the main guy in the band. Bass rumblings are quite audible, guitars are killer and the production beats the hell outta twice second. If only Serenity and Fallen were on this disk, itd be a 10 star a affair for me."

Symphorce is way underated!!

MetalMarc | Grand Rapids, MI USA | 09/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphorce once again delivers the goods with 'Godspeed!' Ultra heavy and crushing riffs, blazing solos, a tight pounding ryhthm section, and top notch melodic vocal melodies by Andy Frank pretty much sums up what this very underated band has delivered consistently the past 3 albums.



Symphorece's music can best be described as a mix between Brainstorm and Nevermore with just a hint of Nu-Metal elements (not in a bad way like most nu-metal). Their music will appeal to fans of those bands as well as Tad Morose or Angel Dust.



On to the album, there is no need to break down each song as almost every song is great after repeated listenings although the first 3 cuts are probaly the best. I will say the production on this album is much improved over 'Twice Second' also. If you liked their last 2 efforts knowbody will disappointed with 'Godspeed' as Symphorce continue to expand on the sound they have developed for themselves.



On an unfortunate note I see some of their previous album ratings have dipped on amazon because of some bitter 'Pain of Salvation' fans. I am not going to explain the whole story but many of their fans have intentionly ripped and brought down the scores of some previous Symphorce albums out of anger and bitterness. All that I can say is that Andy is a good guy that made a mistake with a few lyrics and owned up to it. Come on 'POS' fan, show a little more class?



In conclusion, 'Godspeed' is definately a top 5 album of 2005! No surprise that the new Nevermore(TGE) and Brainstorm (Liquid Monster) are also on that list as well. 'Godspeed' is a must have for anyone who likes their metal heavy, modern, yet still melodic!"