Band:	Silence
Album:	The P/O/U/R Letters
Style:	Gothic metal
Website:	http://www.worldinsilence.de
Release date:	2003

01. Lady Farewell
02. Distress
03. Leave
04. You First, Then Me
05. Grief : Dancing : Eternal
06. Those Who Have Failed
07. The Cynic
08. Thousand Times Goodbye

Round two for German Gothic metallers Silence, last release, 2000's "Enola" despite it's beautiful layout and superb production, left a bittersweet taste in my mouth, and I was somewhat unsatisfied, mainly by the lack of catchy parts and the awful vocals.
3 years later, and a lot of practice, they present us their new work, entitled "The P/O/U/R Letters".

Again the band has required the services of artist extraordinaire Niklas Sundin , the result? Another magnificent piece of work graces the front of the album, although the inside booklet is kind of lame, anyway, excellent illustration, a truly eye-catcher.

With fear I pushed the play button, with fear I say because I was afraid, that, like last time, the music couldn't exceed the looks, but after hearing opener song "Lady Farewell" my doubts were solved, and with great joy I can say now that this band has improved a LOT. God, I'm happy now. The opener tune has great catchy lines and a sing-along chorus, but it doesn't end there, next song "Distress" is another instant hit, more aggressive than the previous but featuring (and I never though I would say this) great vocal delivery! Stefan Mueller has improved a lot since last time I heard him! Besides he has back up vocals this time!

"Leave" is another great song that starts with a nice piano, giving it a melancholic vibe and then becomes this ultra catchy song with great guitar work and again, my compliments to the vocals! "You first, Then Me" is a melodic Gothic Metal classic with all the Sentenced vibe in it, while "The Cynic" resembles Paradise Lost's "Draconian" Era.

Forgot to mention this is a concept album, the lyrics of the different songs represent the pages of a diary reflecting the negative thoughts and emotions of a desperate person, so we have a healthy dose of hopelessness, rage, loss and mourning.

At the end we have a real surprise here, Silence have improved a lot, their music is better, more mature and more accessible to wider audiences.
As a reviewer is always nice to witness the improvement of a band, and I have the proof here, The P/O/U/R Letters is the prime example of a band that, with a lot of effort can surpass themselves and make great music. Be on the lookout for these guys, I'm sure we'll hear more about them soon.