Billy Talent: Dead Silence

Howdy folks!

Since none of my posts are related in topic, I figure I would continue the trend.  Here is my album review of Billy Talent's new album Dead Silence.

I must confess right up front that I am a huge Billy Talent fan.  Therefore, my bias in this review is wholeheartedly one-sided, partisan and unbalanced. 

First, some backround information.  Billy Talent released their first album in 2003.  It was self-titled and it was a fantastic album.  Some labelled it punk, others screamo.  Either way, it did very well and BT started their climb as one of Canada's best bands.  In subsequent releases, II in 2006 and III in 2009, BT continued to produce solid music and built a huge following. 

In case you didn't notice, that's one album every three years.  Sticking to that tradition, Billy Talent released Dead Silence this September.  The only thing breaking the trend was the naming of the album, as BT abandoned their Led Zepellin-esque style of self-entitled albums opting for one with an actual track name on the cover. Their first three albums shared similar qualities, while at the same time showing growth and subtle changes in certain respects.  Dead Silence marks a significant shift in BT's discography.

The album begins with an eerie duet between lead vocalist Ben Kowalewicz and lead guitarist, Ian D'Sa.  This song was a clear indication to fans that the band is willing to go to new places on this album.  Lonely Road to Absolution is a short but powerful tune that sets the stage for a truly magnificent album.

Next is the band's first single from the album, Viking Death March.  This song is more of what's expected from fans - a slick sounding riff with equally interesting bass and drums to accompany the hard rock sound. 

Billy Talent has been criticised in the past for lame lyrics (and guilty of).  They put those critics to bed throughout this album and never more in Surprise, Surprise.  Another wicked riff starts this gem off and then Kowalewicz goes to work attacking Generation X "We're the target market of a corporate joke, our generation is a fucking joke!".  A song about spoiled rich kids buying the latest gadgets and engaging in the hottest trends, Surprise Surprise deserves a good listen or two.

Some have commented that Billy has slowed down the pace of their music in this album.  I'm not convinced.  Track 4, Runnin' Across the Tracks, kicks it up with a fast-paced, finger-pickin' good riff from D'Sa backed with steady drum beats from drummer Aaron Solowoniuk.  Speaking of Solowoniuk... For a guy that has been battling MS for the majority of his life, he doesn't miss a beat (pun intended!).  Good on him.  He's a great example of someone who's faced adversity with a tricky disease and pulled through.

Love Was Still Around is next up and doesn't disappoint.  A catchy chorus with some new elements gives this tune some depth to Billy's range.

The sixth track on the album, Stand Up and Run is a risky attempt by BT but I think they pull it off.  It's starts off with an acoustic guitar and Kowalewicz's clearly improved vocals.  With all the other lovey-dovey tracks out there, this one fits right in.  This song also adds to Billy's range and gives Ben a rest when they play live.

Crooked Minds is next and this song showcases bassist Jon Gallant's nifty bass line in sync with Solowoniuk hammering away on the drums.  Rarely ever has BT had a song where the bass is front and centre.  The lyrics are very cool too; a song about a criminal who's pushed his limits too far.  This is the first song where you hear one of Ben's classic screams similar to previous albums.

For those who put Billy Talent in the punk genre, Man Alive!  is evidence of the bank not giving up on their punk– rock roots and inspiration.  It's an uber quick riff that punches you in the face every time you listen to it.  This song will surely get circle pits going when the band plays live.

Now, I took issue with a few songs in III, basically because I thought they were filler.  Filler are songs put on an album by the record label that basically just take up space in order to make a compete album. If there's any of that on Dead Silence, it's Hanging by a Thread.  It sounds similar to a lot of their older songs and doesn't do much for me.

Track 9, Cure for the Enemy is more of what BT fans expect from the band with some twists and turns. Ben hits some notes that I've never seen him hit before in the chorus.  With some magnificently placed
vocal lines, Cure for the Enemy is another hidden gem.

Don't Count in the Wicked is another great song and is next on the album.  I know what you're saying... "How can every song be great?"  Remember, my bias!  Not only that, but Billy Talent puts everything into their albums.  That's why there is three years in between each.  Sam Saunders from Bring the Noise UK sums it up nicely:

"Each song sounds as if a lot of thought has gone into it, each bassline behind each riff sounds like it was carefully placed there deliberately, and subsequently every riff behind every vocal line sounds just as deliberately positioned. And every vocal line… get the picture. A band that puts that much effort into each element, of each instrument, of every one of their songs, is definitely worth a listen."
(You can check out the full review here) 

For those who don't know, BT had to change their name from Pezz to Billy Talent in 2002 after a US band sued them for name infringement.  Their only album released as Pezz did not do well in regards to sales, but it's now a cult classic for hardcore BT fans.  Show Me the Way is oddly similar to the sound of that Pezz album.  A fun, upbeat riff with Ben utilizing that classic high pitch voice of his.  

Swallowed Up by the Ocean is the track before last and it does not disappoint.  Is that a piano?  Don't change the track, folks!  Debuting for the first time ever, a beautiful piano begins this track.  This song builds slowly from the piano into a full on crescendo.  BT's growth from a screaming, hard nosed punk rock band to a multifaceted, multitalented music group is no more apparent than in Swallowed Up by the Ocean.

Finally, Dead Silence, the album's title track wraps it all up.  You'll have to give it a listen to find out what it's all about.

When I heard that Billy Talent was naming their fourth album Dead Silence I thought two things: 1) It better try to go places that the previous three didn't and 2) it might be their last album.  Dead silence is pretty damn quiet so who knows if that is a hint towards the end of an incredible era.  Billy Talent has been together for 20+ years and their dedication and compassion for each other and their music is commendable.  Their live show is electric and full of energy (and a must see!).  Their lyrics deal with important issues and their music has never been so powerful.  Dead Silence blows away III, tops II, and is as eye popping and exciting as their debut album.  Many bands never top their first release because that first album is full of the passion and novelty that dies out after fame hits.  Billy Talent has never lost their passion for making great music.  They love their fans and that's why they put so much time and effort into their albums.  Dead Silence is a wonderful album and it's worth a listen!

9.5/10 

–Jpell