Raising the metal horns all the way from Trondheim, Norway is HAUNTED BY SILHOUETTES with their EP album "No Man Isle". Let me first say that I have never heard of this band, but they sure did print their metal music journey on my heart. The melodic death metal subgenre is normally a hit and miss for me. I either absolutely love it or turn it off after a few minutes because my brain can't handle it. I know it might sound cruel but it is what it is.

HAUNTED BY SILHOUETTES used to just have three band members. Now the band consists of 5 members. The Scandinavian band really wanted to create and combine the heaviness of melodic death metal with harmony and add a touch of metalcore. What bells does that ring? Something very similar to IN FLAMES! Their latest album really stepped up their game and showed the metal world who they really are. "No Man Isle" consists of only 5 tracks but it is quality and not quantity in this case. The album's theme is about life, independence and family. What better way than explaining that with melodies and black metal. With the heavy guitar riffs and the right amount of synth the album takes you on an emotional ride. This is their third album and they decided to go down a heavier path.

One of the most distinguished track on the album is "Selkie". The track features Bjorn "Speed" Strif who is the front man vocalist to SOILWORK. The song starts off with the keyboard playing a beautiful tune with a vocal whispering. It sounded like someone is trapped and wanting to get out of where they are. Suddenly, an intense growling vocal takes over the song. I did not expect it but it fit perfectly. The drums and keyboard is kept throughout the song creating a beautiful harmony. The vocal balance of Bjorn and Mattias takes the song to a different level. The song reminds me of "Stay with Me" by INFLAMES. Where there is a rollercoaster of ups and downs and a mix of vocal range throughout the song.

Another track that pushed me to my limits is "Icon". The track has more of a speed metal vibe. Mattias really show cases his vocals. I felt so much pain in this song, the suffering and the struggle. It was difficult to now feel heartbroken. For me a song to make me feel so much gets a 10 out of 10. Around minute 2:35 the song clams down and sounds almost digital and then continues that perfectly headbanging beat. I believe HAUNTED BY SILHOUETTES can push themselves even more and I hope they continue doing what they are doing. I am looking forward to see what their next album will be like.