Power metal and symphonic music.  They go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Take the blistering guitars and wailing vocals of power metal and mix them with the layered sounds and choirs of an orchestra and/or synthesizer and you're bound to have aural pleaser overload.

What's that?  You're not a fan of Rhapsody?  Yeah, I know.  Whenever someone talks about symphonic power metal, the first thing to pop into one's head is Rhapsody.  Well, although I am a fan of Rhapsody, I am pleased to tell you that Suspyre is completely different from Rhapsody and I mean that in a good way.

Suspyre's first full-length album, The Silvery Image, was released back in 2005.  Since then they have released their second album, A Great Divide.  I have as of yet to hear A Great Divide, so keep in mind that The Silvery Image is being reviewed solely on its own merits and not as a "well, it's better/worse than" review.

Anyway, as I have stated before, The Silvery Image is not a Rhapsody album clone.  Not even close.  For one, the music is not cheesy (and I say this as a Rhapsody fan).  Another difference is that the guitars still dominate the music, using the symphonic aspect as more of a background to the overall music.

One thing that I absolutely love about this album is the use of choir arrangements.  It's used quite a bit on this album and gives each song a richer quality in terms of composition.  Do not think that when I state that they use many choir arrangements that they are a Therion rip-off, either.  The sound and style is far different.

The vocals are done very well.  I honestly can't think of anyone else of whom the vocals remind me.  Needless to say, they fit the music perfectly.  The vocal harmonies also add to the music as well.  Female vocalist Danielle Kaplowe does guest vocals on both "The Breath of Gloria" (my favorite song on the album) and "Serpent I Am".

The guitar work is what you would expect from a power/prog band.  Solid, with great leads.  Unfortunately nothing really stood out.  There wasn't a time at all where a song from the album would pop into my head.  That's not to say that the songs are forgettable, it's just that they don't have that "brain worm" ability to get stuck in your head.

The production for this album is actually quite good, in my opinion, for a debut album on an independent lable.  Nothing is drowned out yet nothing is emphisized so much that it completely dominates the sound, either.

Overall, The Silvery Image is quite good for a debut full-length album.  It's not a masterpiece by any means, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Review written by: Keith H.        
Date: July 7, 2007             
Rating: 4 stars out of 5