Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins – S/T – Knife Fight Media
By John Knowles
It is perhaps best to open this album review with the words of the artist himself, Michael LePond, “Welcome friends! Well, it's been an amazing two year Journey. Waking up late at night with melodies pounding in my brain, writing lyrics on coffee stained napkins, and obsessing over riffs for hours like a lunatic! But to see the fruits of my blood, sweat and tears finally come to life makes it all worth it. This CD is all me. I wrote all the music, and all the lyrics. It is one of the most satisfying things I have ever done and I can't wait to share it with you.”
For a guy whose contributions in Symphony X have been increasingly overshadowed by main man Michael Romeo, Silent Assassins proves to showcase the varied and impressive talents of Mike LePond. On this release LePond gets to shine as a guitarist, lyricist, songwriter, and even further surpasses one’s expectations of his bass talents. The record caters mostly to fans of classic melodic metal, proudly demonstrating influence from Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Helloween, but with a modern power metal presence. Lyrically the album attempts to take listeners on many an epic journey, and stays centered around a more historical rather than fantasy-themed approach.
From the opening riff of “Apocalypse Rider” it is clear that this is an album worth taking note of. The song recalls classic Judas Priest with a groove not unlike something Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo would write. The performance is impeccably tight, and the chorus re-introduces listeners to LePond’s amazing backing vocals not heard since V: The New Mythology Suite. Alan Tecchio (Hades, Seven Witches, Watchtower) is on lead vocals and delivers a solid performance. Metal Mike (Halford, Testament) and Michael Romeo perform lead guitars for the record, with each player tackling different tracks. With players as different as these guys, listeners should have no trouble differentiating the solos throughout the album. That said, LePond matches the right player with the right song.
“Red Death” is the album’s shortest track, but packs a powerful punch. This is a balls-out headbanger with an amazing solo trade-off between Romeo and LePond. On “The Quest” Tecchio proves that his strong suit is in fact his more aggressive approach found on the previous two tracks, but he still maintains a solid presence on the slower material. The chorus of this one is really one to sing along to. Lyrically, the song tells of the Roman conquest of Masada, when the Jewish inhabitants committed mass suicide to avoid capture. The songwriting really captures the tragic theme of the track. “The Outsider” sounds like a track from Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All, but regains its unique identity just before the 6 minute mark following the solo break. The haunting acoustic outro alongside a harrowing wind makes for a nice surprise.
“Masada” is the album’s epic, clocking in at just over 11 minutes. Lyrically, the song seems to pick up where “The Quest” leaves off. LePond kicks things off with a shredding bass solo, which quickly emerges as a sorrowful battle hymn – equipped with a choral arrangement beneath a haunting organ. When the tune really kicks into its main theme, classic Maiden and Helloween are unmistakably present. From there this rocker takes listeners through an epic journey within an ancient people’s courageous heart.
“Silent Assassins” might best recall early Symphony X material, equipped with an epic harpsichord intro, into an all out thrashing jam in the vein of Keeper-era Helloween. If this is to be the band’s namesake, LePond crafted the perfect choice. Right around the 5 minute mark something really unique takes place. The bass takes on an infectious groove accompanied by hand claps, strings, and some killer percussion. Fans of Blind Guardian should find familiar territory here. This is really one of the coolest moments on the record. “Ragnarok” keeps things fast and heavy, but may be the lesser of the album’s tracks. “The Progeny” opens up with another amazing bass jam, and serves to refocus the listener’s attention. The unmistakable guitar talents of Michael Romeo take solo duty on this one, while a very cool keyboard solo follows suit. This track is a great jam overall, and has one of the most memorable and sing-along choruses of the album. “Oath of Honor” closes the record out, and again the thrash metal influence is as clear as can be. This track is exactly what the record needed to close things out on a memorable note. If there’s any track on this record that deserves to be cranked up and headbanged to throughout, this is the one.
A word up to all fans of classic heavy metal and power metal greatness: Do not overlook this release. In an age where solo efforts from a band’s bassist might not get the attention and respect due – the recent solo release from Steve Harris may no doubt contribute to one’s skepticism – Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins is a cut above the rest. From the memorable riffs, epic melodies, battle-soaked lyrics, and overall impressive production, LePond’s solo debut is on some level a travesty...it’s a travesty this guy has not had more of a writing contribution on a Symphony X record. This writer’s hope is that this will change with Michael Romeo’s future endeavors. Mike LePond proves his worth is far greater than that of just a bassist, and on Silent Assassins fans will get a glimpse into the true brilliance of this artist.
Download the new album here.
Silent Assassin's Official Facebook page
By John Knowles
It is perhaps best to open this album review with the words of the artist himself, Michael LePond, “Welcome friends! Well, it's been an amazing two year Journey. Waking up late at night with melodies pounding in my brain, writing lyrics on coffee stained napkins, and obsessing over riffs for hours like a lunatic! But to see the fruits of my blood, sweat and tears finally come to life makes it all worth it. This CD is all me. I wrote all the music, and all the lyrics. It is one of the most satisfying things I have ever done and I can't wait to share it with you.”
For a guy whose contributions in Symphony X have been increasingly overshadowed by main man Michael Romeo, Silent Assassins proves to showcase the varied and impressive talents of Mike LePond. On this release LePond gets to shine as a guitarist, lyricist, songwriter, and even further surpasses one’s expectations of his bass talents. The record caters mostly to fans of classic melodic metal, proudly demonstrating influence from Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Helloween, but with a modern power metal presence. Lyrically the album attempts to take listeners on many an epic journey, and stays centered around a more historical rather than fantasy-themed approach.
From the opening riff of “Apocalypse Rider” it is clear that this is an album worth taking note of. The song recalls classic Judas Priest with a groove not unlike something Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo would write. The performance is impeccably tight, and the chorus re-introduces listeners to LePond’s amazing backing vocals not heard since V: The New Mythology Suite. Alan Tecchio (Hades, Seven Witches, Watchtower) is on lead vocals and delivers a solid performance. Metal Mike (Halford, Testament) and Michael Romeo perform lead guitars for the record, with each player tackling different tracks. With players as different as these guys, listeners should have no trouble differentiating the solos throughout the album. That said, LePond matches the right player with the right song.
“Red Death” is the album’s shortest track, but packs a powerful punch. This is a balls-out headbanger with an amazing solo trade-off between Romeo and LePond. On “The Quest” Tecchio proves that his strong suit is in fact his more aggressive approach found on the previous two tracks, but he still maintains a solid presence on the slower material. The chorus of this one is really one to sing along to. Lyrically, the song tells of the Roman conquest of Masada, when the Jewish inhabitants committed mass suicide to avoid capture. The songwriting really captures the tragic theme of the track. “The Outsider” sounds like a track from Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All, but regains its unique identity just before the 6 minute mark following the solo break. The haunting acoustic outro alongside a harrowing wind makes for a nice surprise.
“Masada” is the album’s epic, clocking in at just over 11 minutes. Lyrically, the song seems to pick up where “The Quest” leaves off. LePond kicks things off with a shredding bass solo, which quickly emerges as a sorrowful battle hymn – equipped with a choral arrangement beneath a haunting organ. When the tune really kicks into its main theme, classic Maiden and Helloween are unmistakably present. From there this rocker takes listeners through an epic journey within an ancient people’s courageous heart.
“Silent Assassins” might best recall early Symphony X material, equipped with an epic harpsichord intro, into an all out thrashing jam in the vein of Keeper-era Helloween. If this is to be the band’s namesake, LePond crafted the perfect choice. Right around the 5 minute mark something really unique takes place. The bass takes on an infectious groove accompanied by hand claps, strings, and some killer percussion. Fans of Blind Guardian should find familiar territory here. This is really one of the coolest moments on the record. “Ragnarok” keeps things fast and heavy, but may be the lesser of the album’s tracks. “The Progeny” opens up with another amazing bass jam, and serves to refocus the listener’s attention. The unmistakable guitar talents of Michael Romeo take solo duty on this one, while a very cool keyboard solo follows suit. This track is a great jam overall, and has one of the most memorable and sing-along choruses of the album. “Oath of Honor” closes the record out, and again the thrash metal influence is as clear as can be. This track is exactly what the record needed to close things out on a memorable note. If there’s any track on this record that deserves to be cranked up and headbanged to throughout, this is the one.
A word up to all fans of classic heavy metal and power metal greatness: Do not overlook this release. In an age where solo efforts from a band’s bassist might not get the attention and respect due – the recent solo release from Steve Harris may no doubt contribute to one’s skepticism – Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins is a cut above the rest. From the memorable riffs, epic melodies, battle-soaked lyrics, and overall impressive production, LePond’s solo debut is on some level a travesty...it’s a travesty this guy has not had more of a writing contribution on a Symphony X record. This writer’s hope is that this will change with Michael Romeo’s future endeavors. Mike LePond proves his worth is far greater than that of just a bassist, and on Silent Assassins fans will get a glimpse into the true brilliance of this artist.
Download the new album here.
Silent Assassin's Official Facebook page