SILENT VERDICT hailing from Nässjö, Sweden were formed in 2011. They started initially as Metalcore band and released one EP in 2011. Johan Schill and Ricky Magnusson restarted the band in 2017 with a switch to melodic Death Metal and they released another EP in the same year. "Condemned" is their first full-length album and it was produced by Jonathan Mazzeo. The album was released by Italian label WormHoleDeath which has a number of Death Metal, Thrash Metal, and Black Metal bands among their roster. It has a length of more than 46 minutes.

SILENT VERDICT play predominantly melodic Death Metal but "Condemned" is influenced by a few different genres, mainly Thrash Metal and melodic Metalcore. The album starts with "Pure" which sets the stage: aggressive and sharp guitar riffing, a lot of double-bass drumming, variations in tempo centered at mid-tempo, melodic lead guitar solos, and the guttural vocals being around the medium end of the guttural range. The song includes some catchy riffs that remind on early ARCH ENEMY material but it also has some Thrash Metal vibes. The break is melodic Metalcore inspired. The verse sections of "Cinder" remind me even more on melodic Metalcore Greats such as HEAVEN SHALL BURN. "Cinder" includes a few epic lead guitar sequences and the song was released as video with the YouTube link given below.

"I Am Forsaken" has a very strong start with catchy guitar riffs, a mid-tempo, head-banging rhythm and a lot of double-bass drums. While the verse section is clearly Thrash Metal oriented, the chorus section is an epic sing-along and the finest what melodic Death Metal has to offer. "I Am Forsaken" is the first real highlight on the album and I am sure it has all the potential to become a fan favorite.

SILENT VERDICT provide a really good mix in tempo and textures. While most songs vary between mid-tempo and a higher pace, "Gone" is one of those tracks with a very slow start. Opening with a bass-driven part, it transitions into a measured and slow rhythm with melancholic melodies as a base for the chorus. The verse sections are played at mid-tempo with the typical catchy riffing and great lead guitar sequences. The vocals of Mattias Kulas have a greater diversity compared to the other songs on the album and he includes a few screams at perfect moments.

The songs of the last third on "Condemned" become longer and longer and three tracks pass the 5 minutes mark. "Kings Of Heresy" is another epic song especially during the chorus sections. The verse section is driven by a very strong bass line and has clearly some Gothic Metal vibes. Speaking of epic chorus sections, SILENT VERDICT are very good with those and they are never repetitive. "Kings Of Heresy" is another sing-along for fans. Another highlight on "Condemned" is "Nocturnal Law". The song starts fast, driven by the lead guitars and transitions into a mid-tempo chorus section which has an excellent balance between melancholic melodies and aggression. The lead guitar solo is introduced by a short bass solo and has, in combination with the bass, a great contribution to the track.

SILENT VERDICT deliver an excellent debut album. It contains the best of melodic Death Metal and it combines it with different elements to keep it fresh and unique. "Condemned" has great epic melodies and the right level of technicality, a perfect combination of aggression and harmonies as well as changing tempos and textures. Every song sounds different and this diversity shows the band's own character and their songwriting capabilities. "Condemned" is very well produced. SILENT VERDICT show with their album why Sweden is simply the best country when it comes to melodic Death Metal. With "Condemned", SILENT VERDICT set the bar very high and melodic Death Metal fans have something to look forward to in the years to come.