Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins: Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins

Mike Lepond is of course the much sort after bass playing extraordinaire with one of the finest metal bands ever, namely Symphony X. They have a new album due out next year, but before we get to hear that highly anticipated recording be sure to check out this Mike Lepond's debut solo album. I have to say Judas Priest's Reedemer Of Souls is a fantastic metal album, and if you got plenty of mileage from that one then I highly recommend Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins. For those that are wondering why I am referring to the mighty Priest well what we have here is a deliciously potent metal album, not of the progressive metal kind if that's what you may be anticipating. This is a power/heavy metal release with past and present influences as Mike is a fan of 70's metal bands, the new wave of British heavy metal, power and thrash metal.

Mike's stellar bass work is very prominent in the mix just as it should be and he also plays rhythm guitar, Symphony X's Michael Romeo had some welcome input on the lead guitar and keyboards, while guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak who has performed with both Halford and Testament has the remainder covered most capably. Alan Tecchio is the lead vocalist having previously sung with Seven Witches, Watchtower and Hades, both the lead and backup vocals are so good and speaking of backing vocals this is where we find another Symphony X member keyboard wizard Michael Pinella. That just leaves the drums which are programmed, and I have to say Michael Romeo has done a fine job on these of which I'm usually not a fan, but they really do the trick here and have sure come a long way sound wise.

"Apocalypse Rider" is a cracking metal tune and a great choice as opener, from its vibrant beginnings "Red Death" offers up some quality mid paced metal. "The Quest" is fantastic, it's so cool how this song builds up, and Mike's nimble bass work leads into some truly explosive metal before settling into a great classic style metal number with a very cool twist. It's metallic groove time for "The Outsider" another fun tune, and that's what attracts me so much to this album as it's such a delight to listen to. "Masada" is the slowest track, tranquil at times yet powerful at others. The rampaging "Silent Assassins" and hard driving "Ragnarok" are both wickedly catchy, the sounds of stormy weather give way to the slow pounding metal of "The Progeny" the tempo shifts on this track work so well. It's epic metal time as Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins is brought to a close with "Oath Of Honor" clocking in at eleven plus minutes this endearing song has it all covered.

Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins is one of 2014's premier metal albums that will certainly find it's place in my top ten. If you call yourself a fan of true metal fan then you need to hear this album, as Mike Lepond has delivered big time.

Track Listing
1. Apocalypse Rider
2. Red Death
3. The Quest
4. The Outsider
5. Masada
6. Silent Assassins
7. Ragnarok
8. The Progeny
9. Oath Of Honor

Added: April 18th 2015
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
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