After Symphorce’s brilliant 2002 release “phorceFul Ahead,” I had high hopes for their next release… perhaps too high. Now that it’s here, I can’t honestly say that I’ve fallen in love with it, though it has grown on me immensely. Some songs are certainly excellent, while the line-up once again proves their ability to perform with energy and conviction. However as a whole, “Twice Second” failed to really grab me. The album is undoubtedly good music—I can understand WHY everybody loved it, it’s quality Metal here, but personally I didn’t find it so hot.

“Twice Second” is heavier and more aggressive and it seems to have less emphasis on the vocal melodies. It was partially due to this last fact that the songs in the middle tended to blend together. It took a while for the tracks to distinguish themselves from one another—despite this, I still enjoyed listening to it. It’s only that I couldn’t stay focused on the individuality of the songs, since initially I couldn’t hear it. I love the type of vocal lines Andy B. Franck implements (in both Symphorce and Brainstorm) but on “Twice Second” they didn’t feel entirely fresh and at times were rather insistent.

As I said, the performances are super, which is one thing that kept me listening. The guitars (Cedric Dupont and Markus Pohl) were as usual joined by subtle electronic/synth bits, which I adore. There is also been an obvious amount of attention paid to details—it’s the sort of cleverness where it takes numerous listens to pick up on all the nuances. Andy B. Franck (vocals) as expected is another highlight; however, like the somewhat unvarying vocal melodies, Franck sings in virtually the same tone throughout the whole record. This sort is of disappointing since Franck is one of those people who can sing in any fashion he pleases, so I think his choice to remain in a mid-range (albeit a powerful one) was not perhaps the best choice. Some more high notes would have been appreciated! I have an ungodly desire to hear Franck sing in a really high-pitched voice (Er…that’s just a personal thing, though…).

Another plus to the album is the lyrical content—in case you are unfamiliar with Symphorce, they don’t capitalize on themes typical of Power Metal (dragons and battles and stoicism—oh my!); it’s quite dark and personal. Not dark and personal like Sentenced, but in the sense that you feel the narrator is doing some serious venting.

My favorite tracks are the first three, “Fallen,” “Tears” and “Whatever Hate Provides.” The latter ends with the chilling remark “Let me show you what you can do” and the sound of a gun shot. “Twice Second” also contains a very Symphorce ballad, something which “phorceFul Ahead” lacked (though granted, it wouldn’t have fit). The ballad “Cry on my Shoulder” is a really beautiful score, and ends the album (or would, if not for the quick-paced bonus track, Under the Curse”). “Twice Second” will most likely satisfy a Symphorce fan, but if you’re a newcomer to the band I would suggest starting off with one of their earlier releases. * Clare B. *

Symphorce was one of those bands whose name I'd heard floating around a lot, but until I got "PhorcefulAhead," I honestly hadn't given them much thought. And now that I've listened to the album, I know why their name keeps cropping up. This definitely isn't your typical power metal- so, to the lot of you who believe that power metal is stagnating, here's a really groundbreaking act for you!

This fantastic and innovative band has been around since 1998, and following their appearance was immediately recognized by critics and fans alike as having potential. Their first two albums, "Truth to Promises" (1999) and "Sinctuary" (2000) were both well-received. However, it wasn't until their line-up had almost completely replenished itself after the release of their second album that things sort of fell into place for them. And now, with a third album under their belt, they've exploded and gained everyone's attention. Now, Symphorce seems to have gotten it right-with Andy B. Franck (vocals), Dennis Wohlbold (bass), Cedric "Cede" Dupont (guitars), Markus Pohl (guitars) and Sascha Sauer (drums) as its members, Symphorce has created a truly outstanding album.

What really stuck out to me immediately were the lyrics, diverse vocals and a unique sound. In some areas, there is a vaguely electronic sound-don't worry, it's not overwhelming. Though infrequent, the effects are really appropriate when they're there; sometimes to tie two tracks together (i.e. numbers two and three), or to create a warped feeling to some songs. This works really well and is a great but subtle addition to the music. The album is quite varied in many ways, proving that Symphorce is flexible; however there is a very distinct style to album as a whole. If you're in the mood for Dragonforce- paced music, or sappy heartwarming ballads, you won't find either extreme here. Each song is unique, however their tempo is pretty much uniform. Oddly enough, on an album full of similarly-paced tracks I don't feel anything is repetitive.

Symphorce has a fabulously dark and heavy sound-there are some really creative drumming, noticeable bass, which adds to the weight of the album. It's refreshing to hear the bass clearly rather than just unconsciously sensing its presence. "PhorcefulAhead" also serves up a generous portion of gritty vocals. Andy B. Franck compliments these rough sounds with a sufficient number of opportunities to show off his mid/ higher range. Franck uses his singing powers to his benefit, changing style and tone frequently so that it really is an instrument.

Besides sound, Symphorce is distinctive in terms of theme. Perhaps theme is too strong a word, as "PhorcefulAhead" is not a concept album, but there's this honest, grim desperation about it all that ties everything together. To say "human suffering" might be too dramatic, but it speaks of this horrible, personal agony and a quest for something deeper than a magic sword or something; there are no classical elements per se in "PhorcefulAhead." No warriors, dragons, battlefields stained red or what-have-you. The problems are all sort of timeless, honest, personal-a refreshing characteristic that I've found in a few other bands. Anything else would have sounded contrived and unfitting coming from Symphorce.

Both the sound of the music itself and the lyrics contribute equally to the overall mood of the album. If you know me, or have read my other reviews, you'll know that a blurb about lyrics is necessary... and the verdict? Fabulous! Symphorce is essentially the only band I've found whose lyrics could stand alone. They're better than most, presenting strong images as well as being consistent in quality, style and mood. Though extremely depressing, I find many lyrics to be quite poetic. Also, Andy B. Franck is one of the most coherent singers I've heard. Maybe all these years of metal has made me go deaf (hope I didn't offend any MetalHeads for subscribing to that myth!), but for some reason I have a hard time grasping what people are singing. Despite his wide array of vocal styles, I have little trouble comprehending a song.

As much as I want to go on and on about every nuance of every song, I'll be quick about this; I tend to get carried away. "Speak my mind," while a good song in itself, was in my opinion, a somewhat poor choice for an opening song. It's growing on me, mind you, but it's not my favorite song, here (so this could be a personal bias.). After "Unbroken", one of the faster tracks on the album comes "SlowDown." This is the first song that really gave me shivers (in a good way!). The lines, "sometimes you need to walk alone, looking for something you call home" really stuck out to me, somehow. There's a difference between just liking an album and really being affected by it; as cheesy as this sounds, I feel "PhorcefulAhead" to be a personal album to me. Anyway. On this track, Franck really shows off his vocal talent-definitely a treasure. Track four, "Longing Home," is also a really super track, staying consistent with the melancholy feel to the album. "Moving in Circles" (in my opinion, may have been a stronger opening track), was one of these few songs I spoke of with effects in some areas-namely on the vocals in the chorus. It isn't over-the-top; it really does give both a feeling of motion and a warped sensation to the song as a whole, fitting the rest of the song as well as the lyrics. Track six, "Falling Through Again," is quite possibly my top pick for "PhorcefulAhead." It starts off with a nice, heavy riff, fading in and out of that and a wispy, dreamlike bit in the middle. It builds and changes, but flows so evenly that one hardly notices the transitions. Franck shows off his more tender side in some of the parts in this tune. It is definitely one of the most emotional songs here, which is saying again... "PhorcefulAhead" is overall one of the most sincerely emotional albums that I've heard.

I honestly can't say that I have any complaints, so any other praise (of which Symphorce is very, very deserving) would simply be redundant. The remaining songs, including the three bonus demo tracks are just great. And, by the by, if you're wondering why some of these fellows' names are familiar, here's why: Andy B. Franck is also part of Germany's power metal band Brainstorm. "Cede" Dupont is in Freedom Call. Right. If you want something new, pick this up. Right now, go, GO! And... (ahem)... may the Phorce be with you... *Clare B.*