Review Summary: a decent, but forgettable gothic rock effort.
I have a challenge for you. Try to listen to Eowyn’s
Silent Screams without being reminded of Evanescence. After all, the band has all of the key components that make up Evanescence: chugging guitars, delicate piano parts, strong choruses, and a gothic overtone. The similarities between the two bands are uncanny. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Evanescence? I liked them back when I was young and foolish, but why would I want to subject myself to similar awfulness now?” Keep an open mind and you may soon realize that the album isn’t actually that dreadful.
Unlike Evanescence, the band members of Eowyn can play their respective instruments decently. That much is apparent after listening to ‘Life’, a heavier song with the added surprise of time-signature experimentation. Unfortunately, their proficiency only flares up occasionally, and the rest of the time is spent on showing off the lead singer. The band slips away allowing the vocalist to shine, but in doing so, they further push the generic gothic rock feel so prevalent in the album. There is also a bit of an industrial flavor throughout the album, but it is too insignificant to stand out. Although it is a solid album, it feels all too familiar, and that would be because it’s been done to death. You can’t tell me that you’ve never heard something like this - that would be an obvious lie. Still, however typical the band seems, the album is still decent.
Whereas Evanescence was completely unconvincing as a dreary gothic band,
Silent Screams clicks on an emotional level. Eowyn’s message in
Silent Screams is one of hope, she wishes to comfort depressed people, reassuring them that they are not alone in their depression. She is mostly referring to God’s love, but she also has experience with depression. Her heartbreak is plastered all over the album from her sorrowfully sung lyrics. Her attack is loud, bitter, and mournful, she lets it all out, often sounding like she might burst into tears at any moment. Yet the underlining message of the album is of hope, and those fighting hopelessness will certainly find something in this album to enjoy or relate to. As far as I’m concerned, if
Silent Screams impacts at least one person positively, the album was well worth making.
Recommended Songs:
- Crashing
- Life
- Silent Screams
- Runaway
- Hands of Time
- Goodbye
