They say there is beauty in simplicity. The best things don't need to be convoluted or cluttered bullshit. You don't need to be up your own ass with a thousand minute solo or a thousand-note solo in order to write a killer composition. The best painter knows to use not even more stroke than is necessary. Think of it like jacking off, if that helps.

I say this, because what we have here is a perfect example of that. "The Great Bear" skims that line with almost expert precision. SILENCER has become a last minute addition to my Top 10 list. I've already forgotten the name of the band that they kicked off the list and stole the award from. I was impressed, and I enjoyed this album so much I want to listen to it again. And I can, how about that!

It's a groovy, Thrash entrée with a small side of Doom Metal. I loved the leadwork and the melodic soloing; I loved the rhythm guitar work with its smooth as butter yet biting riffage. I loved the tight drum work that didn't overpower everything else - as seems to be the trend nowadays. I loved the bass I could actually hear that pops in now and again. I would murder a thousand random strangers with garrotte wire one at a time day and night if I could hear more shit like this. And it's not just the music; even the tone of the guitars was excellent. It's a very smooth distortion, with just a hint of sludginess - but certainly not over-powering. Again, top marks must go to this facet of the album.

And, and, and! I have to say this: so many Thrash bands go the route of overly-growly vocals - listen to something like WARBRINGER or HAVOK to get what I mean. I've never cared for that style in Thrash Metal, it overshadows the music with growls and grunts and other superfluous shit in a vain attempt to be as badass as possible - but it winds up sounding like cookie monster or Elmo have a malignant throat tumour. SILENCER doesn't do that. The vocalist has the perfect timbre in his voice. Think of it like a combination of James Hetfield and Chuck Billy- I can't make a better analogy so try your best to imagine that. He doesn't sound like Batman in those last couple Batman films. Nor does he have throat cancer. He sounds awesome, and that is very, very rare for me to say.

If there is one thing I fucking hated, it's the album's succinctness. It's too damn short. Something this good needs to last long enough to really get into. Every song seems to end almost right as they get really good. I guess if there is one good problem to have, it's possessing too many whores. I think that metaphor fits here. It's all great. There is practically no filler or bullshit time-killing fills or riffs repeated ad nauseam.

I get a lot of shit for being too critical and caustic in my reviews. Well here is proof positive of me finding an underground, little-known gem in what is usually a sea of mediocrity and shit. 1000 points to SILENCER, and they will receive a fruit basket in the mail soon, along with some great recipes for mixed juices and fruit salads.

In conclusion, here is the game plan for SILENCER: For the next album, try and write some longer songs, and if you can compose a killer instrumental with a bass solo, I'll double your offer to two fruit baskets.