Review
In the annals of music history, there are moments that become more than just notes and lyrics; they become stories of resilience and transformation. One such story is that of Californian metalcore band Silent Planet, whose tour van swerved off a road in Wyoming on November 3rd of 2022. This accident could have marked the end of their journey, but instead, it became the catalyst for their fifth album named SUPERBLOOM, that is released exactly a year after that fateful day.
Silent Planet, consisting of Garrett Russell, Mitchell Stark, Alex Camerena, and Nick Pocock, has always stood out in the heavy music scene. They skillfully blend hypnotic hooks across a spectrum of soundscapes, drawing inspiration from hardcore, post-rock, metal and ambient textures. SUPERBLOOM takes their sonic exploration to a new level.
The album opens with “Lights Off the Lost Coast”, a brief but captivating introduction. With electronic synths that gradually build, complemented by the breathy vocals and ethereal guitar melody that seamlessly transitions into “Offworlder”, the second track of the new album.
“Collider”, the third track, intertwines glitchy electronics with guttural distortion, creating an insane riff that swings back and forth like a pendulum. Lyrically, it explores themes of trust and betrayal, painting a picture of transformation amidst darkness. This track harkens back to Silent Planet’s metalcore roots and showcases their ability to meld various elements into a cohesive whole.
The band’s willingness to experiment is evident in tracks like “Dreamwalker”, which leans into electronic elements with shades of nu-metal influence. “Antimatter” combines metalcore and electronic elements while emphasizing clean vocals over screaming, showcasing the band’s evolving style.
One of the album’s highlights, “:Signal:”, takes an unexpected turn. It starts slowly and then surprises with some of the heaviest riffs and vocals ever featured in a Silent Planet record, demonstrating their versatility and creative range. The closing track is a five-minute masterpiece that ties the entire album together.
SUPERBLOOM, is a testament to a band that has embraced their past and future. It stands as their most ambitious effort, marked by a departure from traditional screaming in favor of more melodic and clean vocals. This shift, along with a deeper exploration of electronic elements, contributes to the album’s uniqueness.