This CD is again a typical Finish matter: dark and mysterious. It not even concerns the music (more in a second) but also the information policy. There is no homepage, no info and even the label seems to be vaguely informed about the existence of RAPTURE. Anyhow, it is a fact that we deal here with the third release of these five Finns (a few seem to belong(ed) to the surroundings of Shades Of Despair and/or to faded Thy Serpent).

Despite of this secretiveness, you feel immediately connected to the music. Powerful and hauntingly beautiful, melancholy-draped dark/gothic metal. No doubt: here you can refer to a number of bands and albums such as Katatonia, Opeth (in their straight moments) and old Paradise Lost. Leading guitar harmonies are characteristic, added with clean singing and growls, not too extreme.
Although nobody can say that this kind of music is really original, at least I cannot elude from the magic of Silent Stage. Fortunately the album shows enough heaviness to distance them from the chart area and churn out superb riffs and hooks in cultivated minor atmosphere. Catchy tunes are pre-assigned.

Since the production offers enough power and transparency tracks like The Past Nightmares, I Am Complete and Dreaming Of Oblivion are a listening pleasure and don’t wear off after several spins. The same you can say about the instrumentals For The Ghosts Of Our Time and Completion, but I wonder if there must be two tracks without singing regarding the running time.
Because I just love this sort of timeless music I cannot avoid a positive overall estimation. RAPTURE candidly deserves 8 points. Now they just have to check with Bavarian Rapture who can use the name furthermore in the future…