Textures has been praised many times by many of our reviewers, on both the account of their live performances as their albums. This band is in the top of the Dutch metal scene with their complex yet grooving and melodic metal approach. 2008 brings their third release Silhouettes, according to the band their most accessible album so far.

 

Well about the accessible part they’re a 100% right. They’ve also stated that this record isn’t that much revolving around a concept, but more aimed at the songs individually, which is definitely true. What I hear is a way more grooving, slightly less complex yet very rhythmic metal band which can both be listened to very intensively as well as on the background. The production is very smooth on all fronts just like with the previous record Drawing Circles. The biggest improvements come from the samples and keyboards which have more different dimensions and sound, as well as from the vocals. Vocalist Eric Kalsbeek has exceeded himself again on all fronts. Especially his singing voice has really improved and become more versatile, as the bio states he sounds like a mixture of Devin Townsend and Phil Anselmo, I can relate to that. You really can’t find a better metal vocalist in this little country I think personally.

 

Although I feel like overall Drawing Circles made a bigger impression on me than Silhouettes, I think the latter takes more time to really grow on you. Since it goes by so smoothly, you might miss the little things here and there which become more apparent over time. Well it is obvious what to conclude I’d say; Textures has once again delivered a product of high quality which is bound to please all fans of their previous albums and most people into modern rhythmic metal for sure. I’m curious what the near future will bring for them, I for one will certainly attend the release show in Rotterdam next week and find out what these songs sound like live in a venue!