All That Remains

Behind Silence and Solitude (Metal Blade)
by Vinnie Apicella

All That Remains, to a further degree than Shadows Fall before them (where vocalist Philip Labonte fell from), is tracking step-for-step the Norse Gods who’ve defined the legion of Swedish acts that’ve flushed and filled a previously sorrowful “extreme” metal genre. You can’t listen to Beyond Silence And Solitude and not think of Amon Amarth or In Flames. This all goes back as far as At The Gates, and their impact needs no recollection. Yet the fact remains, it’s about time, isn’t it? Yes, this genre of metal is finally making a strong showing on Western shores and building upon the dynamic instrumentation of the Priests and Maidens before them.

And ATR ups the magnification tenfold, with quicker tempos fed by deathly vocals, firepower drumming, and sharper riffs shadowing melodic fills. Beyond… is unusual in that there’s no anger or animosity driving the lyrics; no myths and mysticism shrouding a God vs. Devil scheme, but rather sensitively drawn moments of recourse and reflection. Thematically, they’re lost in thought, questioning faith, and willing themselves to carry on. All That Remains turns out to be a side project gone straight and finally manages to see the light of day after numerous interruptions. In the end, they arrive at the right time as American fans clamor for a new power to do away with the gluttonous proportions of nü metal trends and tunelessness. [Now that nü metal is old hat, melodic death metal such as this will be All That Remains. Sorry, couldn’t resist. -ed.]
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