Fester-Silence Re-issue

Abyss Records
2011 Re-issue


Originally released in 1994 Fester's sophomore release Silence was an impressive addition to the Norwegian black death scene. Having already been re-released in 2000 on CD by No Fashion Records (with different cover-art and the 2 bonus tracks "Visions of the Macabre" and "The Ecstasy") now Abyss Records tackles the recording with the bonus cut "Persecution" (recorded live in 1991) added on for good measure. The album will be a digi-CD and comes completely remixed, remastered and repackaged. Formed in 1989 the band was originally called Heroic Conduct before the name change. Following two demos their first album "Winter Of Sin" would be released in 1991. Seeing as Abyss Records had already re-issued that album it was only a matter of time before they took on Silence. While Winter Of Sin was more death metal (and honestly neither that album nor Silence were very popular at the time since the scene was pure black metal and nothing but) the album Silence is unlike anything you can even imagine. The only thing that would market this as black metal would be the shrieks for vocals. Otherwise you have clean and crisp guitars. Catchy melodies lead way to what can only be described as upbeat and uplifting metal. Rather traditional heavy metal riffs merge with elements of doom-less doom. Sure it is eerie and dark yet one can't help but feel uplifted. There is this underbelly of happiness which is so odd it has to be heard to be truly understood. One of the most unique and perplexing albums I've heard in some time!