Ending The Silence Again
Posted May 13, 2016
By MaryNikkel_NRT, Staff Reviewer
For Christian rock, 2006 was one of those rare, charmed years that yielded some of the most definitive albums for both individual artists and the genre as a whole. The year's impressive release calendar included albums from already established acts like Comatose by Skillet, Testify by P.O.D., Hearts of the Innocent by Kutless, Scars Remain by Disciple, and also a debut project by a brand new rock outfit: End of Silence by RED.
End of Silence landed perfectly in middle of the symphonic rock movement of the time, with then-rookie act RED pulling off the sound better than some veterans. Songs like "Breathe Into Me," "Already Over" and "Let Go" would become iconic staples of the genre, exhibiting impressive staying power even as RED was propelled through four more studio albums and countless arena shows and sold out tours. A decade since fans were first introduced to a sound that has become one of the best-known in the genre, RED is celebrating with a special anniversary re-release.
In addition to remastered versions of End of Silence's original eleven tracks, the re-release features four acoustic versions, one new track and a special demo. "Breathe Into Me (Remix Acustica)" has been previously released, but it's such a strong acoustic reimagining of the song (see in particular the visceral added bridge) that it more than deserves inclusion here. The same can be said of the acoustic version of "Lost," previously heard on the End of Silence Deluxe Edition.
Acoustic renditions of "Already Over" and "Hide" are brand new. These arrangements allow for the emotional cores of the songs to stand front and center. The stripped back format also beautifully displays the development and growth of frontman Mike Barnes's voice in the past decade. The singer's vocals have developed texture, strength and maturity that drive these songs home as if it was the first time we've heard them.
New song "If I Break" stays in the more vulnerable territory with a vibe similar to past songs "Hold Me Now" and "Not Alone." Over a subtle blend of acoustic guitar and piano, the lyrics plead "and if I break, if I fall / will you still run to me when I call? / If I close my eyes and I can't find my way to you / will you stay, if I break?" The instrumental demo track "Circles" presents a brooding, layered sonicscape similar to what fans heard in the interludes on last year's Of Beauty and Rage.
The Bottom Line: End of Silence: 10th Anniversary Edition adds just enough new material to merit the re-release while still keeping the focus on celebrating the legacy these songs have created over the past decade. Longtime fans should view this as a good addition to their collections, while for newer listeners this is the perfect chance to discover End of Silence for the first time.
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