Silence is Madness
Encyclopedia
Silence is Madness is the third album by the American heavy metal band Bride
, released in 1989. This was the last album in the band's metal era, as the band began writing more commercial hard rock on the following releases. On Silence is Madness, Bride also tried to achieve crossover success to the secular market, as they wrote slightly less Christian-based lyrics than before. Despite the changes, this album did not sell notably better than their previous releases.
, and adopted a more straighforward classic metal
sound with blues influences. The albums puts more focus on hooks, as displayed on songs such as "Fool Me Once," "Hot Down South Tonight," and "Under the Influence." In contrast to that, "Evil Dreams," "All Hallow’s Eve," and "No More Nightmares" represent a more haunting atmosphere. Bride also introduced a blues influenced hard rock song in "Rock Those Blues Away."
Lead vocalist Dale Thompson continues to bring his high pitched and at times operatic lead vocal style. The lead guitarist Steve Osborne left the band before recording this album, and Troy Thompson handles most the lead guitars on Silence is Madness. Troy displays guitar solos on four of the albums tracks, and the guitarist Rob Johnson delivers lead guitar on the five others, notably on "Evil Dreams" and "No More Nightmares." Bassist Frankie Partipilo and drummer Stephan Rolland handled the rhythm section. The album's production was similar to their previous works, but this time they commissioned original artwork. The cover watercolor illustration was created by American Visionary artist Swartzentruber.
. the lyrics of "Evil Dreams" talk about achieving power but then finding how it only deceives man, and only causes grieving. "Under the Influence" puts more emphasis on groovy metal output. The songs is about self control on various issues such as drinking alcohol. "All Hallow’s Eve" was written around the time the band was known as Matrix, and is one the few tracks on the album to feature thrash metal influences reminiscent the songs on Live to Die. Containing a slightly doom metal
type riff, an anthem-like riff, and a chorus of haunting combination of vocal harmonies, "All Hallow’s Eve" talks about the dangers within the possible true meaning of Halloween
, that the costumes and trick-or-treating leads children to mystical deceits. "No More Nightmares" is a more up-tempo song, and "Rock Those Blues Away" is a blues rock driven hard rock track, reminiscent of the works of Glenn Kaiser Band and Darrell Mansfield
. The song incorporates a harmonica with some organ playing. The lyrics have a cheerful attitude and talk about a person who has learned to stand on his own.
Bride (band)
Bride is a Christian heavy metal/hard rock band formed in the 80s, by brothers Dale and Troy Thompson. During the band's peak years it was known for covering a wide range of musical styles and remains popular in places like Brazil...
, released in 1989. This was the last album in the band's metal era, as the band began writing more commercial hard rock on the following releases. On Silence is Madness, Bride also tried to achieve crossover success to the secular market, as they wrote slightly less Christian-based lyrics than before. Despite the changes, this album did not sell notably better than their previous releases.
Recording history
On this album, Bride left behind many of its speed and thrash metal elements found on its previous releaseLive to Die (Bride album)
Live to Die is the second album by the American heavy metal band Bride. It is the band's second album to be released on the label Pure Metal Records in 1988. Live to Die is considered by critics to be the band's finest release in its metal era...
, and adopted a more straighforward classic metal
Classic metal
Traditional heavy metal, also known as classic metal or simply heavy metal, is the seminal genre of heavy metal music before the genre "evolved and splintered into many different styles and subgenres."- Terminology:...
sound with blues influences. The albums puts more focus on hooks, as displayed on songs such as "Fool Me Once," "Hot Down South Tonight," and "Under the Influence." In contrast to that, "Evil Dreams," "All Hallow’s Eve," and "No More Nightmares" represent a more haunting atmosphere. Bride also introduced a blues influenced hard rock song in "Rock Those Blues Away."
Lead vocalist Dale Thompson continues to bring his high pitched and at times operatic lead vocal style. The lead guitarist Steve Osborne left the band before recording this album, and Troy Thompson handles most the lead guitars on Silence is Madness. Troy displays guitar solos on four of the albums tracks, and the guitarist Rob Johnson delivers lead guitar on the five others, notably on "Evil Dreams" and "No More Nightmares." Bassist Frankie Partipilo and drummer Stephan Rolland handled the rhythm section. The album's production was similar to their previous works, but this time they commissioned original artwork. The cover watercolor illustration was created by American Visionary artist Swartzentruber.
Overview
"Fool Me Once" is a straightforward heavy metal song that crtiticizes televangelists in a manner that they only want to make money and get richer by fooling people to do what the televangelists want and cause damage that way. The output of "Hot Down South Tonight" is based on blues and groove driven metal sound. The song is about a girl who became a star but the success made her losing her soul.The title song contains a whispered intro similar to that of "Heroes" from the precious album. "Until the End We Rock" is a more calmer, slower track. "Evil Dreams" is characterized by a haunting feel, combined with hard rock rhythm guitar and blues rock type lead guitar work. A short vocal part in the middle is reminiscent of hip hopHip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
. the lyrics of "Evil Dreams" talk about achieving power but then finding how it only deceives man, and only causes grieving. "Under the Influence" puts more emphasis on groovy metal output. The songs is about self control on various issues such as drinking alcohol. "All Hallow’s Eve" was written around the time the band was known as Matrix, and is one the few tracks on the album to feature thrash metal influences reminiscent the songs on Live to Die. Containing a slightly doom metal
Doom metal
Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other metal genres...
type riff, an anthem-like riff, and a chorus of haunting combination of vocal harmonies, "All Hallow’s Eve" talks about the dangers within the possible true meaning of Halloween
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
, that the costumes and trick-or-treating leads children to mystical deceits. "No More Nightmares" is a more up-tempo song, and "Rock Those Blues Away" is a blues rock driven hard rock track, reminiscent of the works of Glenn Kaiser Band and Darrell Mansfield
Darrell Mansfield
Darrell Mansfield is an American gospel/blues musician.-Biography:Mansfield got his musical start in 1974, releasing his first album Gentle Faith in 1976. He later formed the Darrell Mansfield Band...
. The song incorporates a harmonica with some organ playing. The lyrics have a cheerful attitude and talk about a person who has learned to stand on his own.
Track listing
- Fool Me Once - 3:57
- Hot Down South 3:10
- Silence Is Madness 5:15
- Until The End We Rock 3:10
- Evil Dreams 4:04
- Under The Influence 4:03
- All Hallow's Eve 5:10
- No More Nightmares 4:12
- Rock Those Blues Away 5:35
Personnel
- Dale Thompson – vocals
- Troy Thompson – guitars
- Frankie Partipilo – bass
- Stephen Rolland – drums
Guest Musicians
- Rob Johnson – guitars
- John Caruso - bass on "Under The Influence"
- Armand Jon Petri - keyboards
- Bill "Bolan" Scott – harmonica