Italians debut 80s style power metal
If Whitesnake ever felt the need to compete with Linkin Park, this is what it may well sound like. Silver Lake's eponymous debut album is left in something of a timewarp. Heavy on the keyboards, this very earnest kind of Power Metal falls short of being labelled truly Progressive because it doesn't actually go anywhere. Saying that, there are a heck of a lot of keyboard solos, the Jon Lord-inspired middle-8 in 'Break' being a great example. But one keyboard solo doth not make a progressive summer. The best moments are when they lean towards the styles of Dream Theater or Rainbow. Undoubtedly, these guys are very accomplished musicians, but everything down to the lyrics is pretty standard 80s metal fare, the likes of which hasn't actually charted since Europe and Van Halen roamed the Earth.
Formed in 2003 in Rimini, Italy, Silver Lake have taken their time about making their debut album, going from covers band to writing their own material. And that's exactly what it sounds like; tentative debut material paying heavy homage to bands such as Deep Purple. But SL and their label SG Records would be an excellent place for anyone who likes their metal powerful, well-produced, and somewhat retro. It's definitely something out of the ordinary for the UK market, and that can only be a good thing. There's incredible passion and feeling behind SL's music, as well as a lot of hero worship, judging from the inclusion of a cover of Skid Row's 'Slave to the Grind'.
Ok, it may not be totally original, but it's still a pretty interesting album. And given another couple of 'em, they might develop their own great sound. Precise, well developed, and with an excellent singer in Davide Bertozzi there's a lot to like, if you already like the genre. 'Life' is a great individual track, for instance. Great promise. David Coverdale, watch out!