Triumphantly showcasing its orchestral and lush side with tracks like “A New Dawn,” Minnesota-based A Whisper in the Noise play up the dark unit’s non-traditional instrumentation with deep songwriting structures which create a challenging listening experience for those about to rock. But don’t mistake volume for power, as songs like “Sons” hit with unobtrusive force while tracks like “This Time, It’s” suggests a NIN at their subdued influence. Minor chords aplenty with distortion abound, this disc’s stark simplicity yields a haunting aftertaste usually reserved for chilling black metal, giving this 11-track release a vibe that sticks long after the disc stops. www.mainstreamrecords.de – Mike SOS

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