On January 31, 2020, IN SILENT AGONY released "Scandalous." IN SILENT AGONY is a one man metal band formed by Brandon 'Eski' Ortiz that hails from Orange County, California. Eski handles all instruments and vocals, as well as the production and recording. Although "Scandalous" is his first full-length release, it is his fourth overall. Previously, he has released a trilogy of EPs: "Villainous," "Treacherous," and "Overzealous."

This album is an interesting variety of symphonic metal. Guitar riffs are simple and act mainly as an accessory to the symphonic elements. Due to the production on this album, the symphonic backing tracks, keys, and drums are all louder in the mix than the guitar riffs. Vocals sound like strained hardcore screams, though the album also heavily features a voiceover with distortion.

"Excommunicado" is an epic and symphonic intro track that kicks off the album. The second track "Revenge" continues with the epic symphonic elements in the background. In the latter half of the track, the background track and the drumming combine for an industrial atmosphere. "Insubordination" is a continuation of the symphonic and industrial atmosphere. This time, ethereal keys are added, similar to early atmospheric black metal. "Possibilidoom" is another mostly instrumental track that breaks up the album. The background music is ominous and creepy. Similar to the opening track, a heavily distorted spoken passage is layered over the backing track. "Scandalous" is the titular fifth track. Only at this point, almost halfway into the album, do we start getting more noticeable guitar riffs. However, it is still buried deep in the mix. Louder and more readily apparent are the vocals; that same gruff voice distorted with robotic effects.

On the next track "Four and Twenty Hours," the guitar riffs continue. Combined with the fast drumming, this song has a bit of a thrash metal vibe. However, the atmospheric and industrial background track is still there. "Obsessive / Repulsive" is yet another mostly instrumental track. This time, the music is quieter and suspenseful. Again, the distorted voiceover makes an appearance. Something that stood out to me on the track "Lost" was the quick bass solo helping the song transition between passages. In addition, "Lost" and "Self-Constructive" probably had the best guitar riffs of the entire album. They aren't particularly melodic or evil riffs, but they blend with the drums and keys for a good song to headbang to. The closing track, "Nothing Is Sacred," has an ethereal keyboard introduction before kicking into a guitar riff with a symphonic atmosphere. The drumming changes pace throughout, helping the song transition between tempos.

Overall, this is an interesting album. While the guitar riffs are lacking, the atmosphere is fantastic. This would be a good soundtrack to a game or movie. I recommend this album to fans of the more extreme varieties of symphonic metal.