Recent Reviews

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Mike LePond's Silent Assassins: Whore Of ...
Mike Lepond's Silent Assassins - Whore Of Babylon Album Art

Silent Assassins: Whore Of Babylon

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal
4.5/5.0

Facebook
Silver Linings Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 27.05.2020 | Released: 29.05.2020

When he's not playing with his main gig Symphony X, or appearing as a guest on one in ten heavy metal albums each year, the ubiquitous and skilled bass player Mike LePond returns to his on seminal project, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins. At the core, the Assassins consist of LePond, vocalist Alan Tecchio, and guitarist Lance Barnewold. The band returns with their third album, Whore Of Babylon which also features some exceptional guest players including Sarah Teets, Rod Rivera, and Michael Romeo, who also engineered the album.

Mike LePond's Silent Assassins - Click For Larger Image

Mike LePond's Silent Assassins

Considering his vast musical experience and history, Mike LePond is a heavy metal hero, championing the cause of "keep it true" heavy metal in its various forms. Like previous works, Whore Of Babylon is no exception. Telling tales invoking history and lore from Vlad The Impaler to the Arthurian legend of the Night of The Long Knives, Lady Bathory to Whore Of Babylon, LePond and crew weave a rich metal music tapestry. The Assassins blend melodic, heavy, and power metal with notes of folk and Middle Eastern nuances, yet without neglecting the power of the riff, gallop and groove, blistering guitar solos and, of course, LePond laying down his own flaring bass lines. So on to some songs.

For some true power with some blazing riffs and roaring gallop and groove, listen for Lady Bathory, Dracul Son, or Ironborn, a thorough power metal punch in the throat. Alternatively, With Night Of The Long Knives, you get a fine taste of some folk melodic metal with Michael Romero offering some mandolin. Similar is Whore Of Babylon, where a Middle Eastern sitar-like melody spins through a softer melodic metal tune. A rising metal anthem comes with Champion, where Ms Teets leads the vocals and also adds flute to the composition. As for LePond's spirited bass work listen for it within Champion, but also within Ides Of March, and at the start and after the half in Tell Tale Heart, a sometimes speedy metal number.

All in all, with Whore Of Babylon, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins gives metal fans another vibrant and entertaining album of well-crafted melodic heavy power metal, with more than a few twists and surprises. Recommended.



CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

The Bottom Line

With Whore Of Babylon, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins gives metal fans another vibrant and entertaining album of well-crafted melodic heavy power metal, with more than a few twists and surprises. Recommended.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Lionville: Supernatural Album Review

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]