TERAMAZE is an Australian band from Geelong, which is in the state of Victoria. They have been making Progressive Rock/Metal since 1993, but somehow "The Silent Architect" is my first encounter with these guys. That is saying something, as this is their thirteenth (!) studio album to date. Plus, it's a lengthy one, as the music on this album goes on for over an hour. What surprises me most is that when the band does go a bit louder, they have a touch of Metalcore imbedded into their sound. And I have to say, that works. Ever since the first listen I have been wondering how I have been able to not hear anything by these guys before.

As far as I can distinguish while I listen is that "The Silent Architect" is full of love experiences, but not like you would expect. The band writes about loves lost, unrequited experiences, unanswered encounters, but also about building a future together. And even though this is classed as Progressive Metal, I would have to add Emotional Rock to the equation, as the two are really coexisting as a perfect pairing here. TERAMAZE is able to convey the feelings, emotions and expectations into the perfect kind of songs with just the right vibes. What is extra special in this case, is that they haven't put any boundaries on the length of the tracks on "The Silent Architect", with "Mr Crazy" being the shortest song at 3:37 minutes, whilst the closing tune "Left In The Fire" clocks at 11:56 minutes.

What I always find brave is when a band isn't afraid to start with an opus on its own. Well, "The Silent Architect" is not only the title and opening track, it also goes on for 10:13 minutes. I will say this, though; there is not one second that is out of place throughout the whole album. All the songs that TERAMAZE have compiled here are without fault, make you feel just what the band wants, and are of an undeniable beauty. That might sound surprising, but it becomes very clear that after being together for some 33 years, these guys not only know how to write music that fits them to a T, they also are able to translate that into songs that will give us as listeners a very pleasant experience, that regularly will send shivers down your spine, and will make you react to it all in a more than positive way. In short: TERAMAZE have made a very good album with "The Silent Architect".