Blindside are arguably one of Sweden's best kept secrets and have delivered two impressive full-length albums over the past few years that for whatever reason, never quite caught the attention of the public. This now looks to change though as their long time friends in P.O.D. have since signed them as the first act to their newly founded major label imprint through Elektra and "Silence", their debut for the aforementioned label, finds the bands sound at its most accessible to date. Gone is the reckless Refused reminiscent edge that permeated their last offering "A Thought Crushed My Mind" and in its place is a stylish melodic edge that juxtaposes snarling modern metal riffing with wounded vocal harmonies that jar the listener not only through their fervent intensity, but also through the immense amount of honesty they simultaneously convey.

The vocal range of band frontman Christian Lindskog has blossomed exquisitely and his stronger range and increased usage of emotionally inflected melodies have become the centerpiece of the bands latest direction, causing the music to be perhaps a bit more of a downtrodden affair when compared to that of days past. Those fearful of the group going completely commercial can sleep easy however as there are still a large amount of his enraged screams and fiery choruses and verses to keep them on their toes, even if the balance has shifted more towards the restrained introspective side rather than the outright rage the band once flourished in overall. Guitar wise the effort is still riddled with cleverly constructed riffs that are generally atmospheric with curiously distorted sounds and tones being wrenched from the fretboard as bottom heavy swats bookend it all together and provide enough bite to keep the music energized and punchy. The bass playing cements the music together and through its generously down tuned approach and wide ended playing style it becomes an integral component of the bands sound, utilizing a wealth of creative notes and structures to craft a solid and rhythmically diverse low end base. The drumming is crisply tuned in comparison and smashes out an off-timed wave of sharply focused beats that are precisely played and give the music a certain rigidity, while also creating an admirable sense of dynamic friction with their rhythm section counterpart in the process.

The jump from their longtime label home of Solid State Records to 3 Points/Elektra comes with a lot of expectation and worry from the bands diehard fan base and in truth such nervousness is warranted as most artists who make the move to a major label throw their integrity right out the window in favor of commercial appeal. However, while such tactics aren't completely lost on "Silence", it is safe to say that the band have still stuck closely enough to their original vision to create a record that remains thoughtful and cathartic while also being surprisingly digestible; all without resorting to the contrived predictably of the innumerous corporate puppets in the music industry today. In fact, one of the bands most distinct qualities has always been their unfiltered honesty and the way they are able to vividly express it in their music and whether it be through skin tearing screams or soft spoken reflections, it is still present in fine form, giving the material a remarkable impact. While it may never be known if it was evolution or the pressures of being on a major label that caused Blindside to progress from the caustic punky rage they last surfaced with into the charmingly aggressive melodic outfit they are today, one thing is certain, they have delivered a solid album that will win them many new fans and give them a taste of the exposure they've so long deserved.