Since the release of their last album “Last Epic”, already 3 years old in the meantime, Swedish progressive pop rockers A.C.T have teamed up with InsideOutMusic, have performed live in about nine countries and were on the bill of festivals as Sweden Rock 2005, Summer Rock and GARF in their home country. The new “Silence” is their fourth album and is said to be the feat of arms that should catapult them to the top of the progressive genre.
Each of A.C.T’s albums was quite different from its predecessor. Although they always build around the same characteristics – pompous rock reminiscent of Queen, Rush and Saga with a humorous, progressive touch – the Swedes have tried to find the right balance and a sound that they can pretty much call their own. After having given “Silence” a lot of spins, I have the feeling they’re still searching. The album is divided into two parts: the first 10 tracks are loose, compact pop tunes with a progressive edge; the last 9 songs make up the epic “Consequences”, subtly subtitled “The Long One”. This way the band perfectly prove they’re up to making quite easy-going, light pop rock music as well as intricate and complex progressive rock, but to me it’s more of a ‘why can’t we leave things open?’ point of view. They made their point nevertheless, as quality wise both parts of the album are very good. We already knew they were able to write good songs and the execution and production are almost perfect this time as well. For the latter, they got help of Martin Hedin, also keyboardist in progressive metal outfit Andromeda that also involves A.C.T drummer Thomas Lejon.
Weak tracks are hard to find on “Silence”, but after all these listens, I can say my favourites are “Hope” with its heavy undertone and some fabulous guitars and keyboards in the middle, and from the pieces that make up the epic “Joanna” and the great “A Wound That Won’t Heal”.
I can’t really say yet if this will be the band’s breakthrough album. I think it’s too diverse to have such a consequence. It is a fact though that they still have to be reckoned with as one of the most talented bands in the genre. (
SL)
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Noud
Dit is een band die ontzettend veel in huis heeft, zoveel was al duidelijk na de eerste drie Cd’s. Dit gezegd hebbende, moet me van het hart dat dit album me een tikkeltje tegenvalt ten opzichte van het eerdere werk. De balans lijkt op dit album wat door te slaan naar ‘subtiel’ en ‘heavy’ is wat uit beeld geraakt. Hopelijk staat op het volgende album weer een kraker als ‘Manipulator’!
scribbly
This is pretty good from where I sit.. Clever, catchy, and forever listenable.
eyezit
It is surprising to me that this receives below 4.5 stars. This is an outstanding effort from an outstanding band. No epics???What about Consequences??? Too soft??? This is excellent variety with an excellent blend of soft and heavy. It seems that some reviewers should spin this a few times before writing a review
jimbodelux
Modulator says it all. ACT was a lot better in the recent years. This is nice stuff with lot of melodies for sure but it's also way too soft.
It reminds me a bit of Robbie Valentine (not his excellent latest CD). Where are the epic gems of the previous CD????
WOLF 359
Love it , poppy prog with some stellar moment's . Fan's of old will lap this up .
Modulator
This is too soft A.C.T. for my taste, expecialy after good rockin' previous record "Last Epic"!
Solid songs, but lack of energy!
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