Although known as the guitarist for PRIMAL FEAR and VOODOO CIRCLE, Alex Beyrodt began his recording career in 2000 with SILENT FORCE, then fronted by DC Cooper. During a seven year hiatus, Beyrodt rose to international prominence (via the aforementioned acts) and now the six-stringer has decided to release a new album under the SF moniker, ably aided by omnipresent bassist/song co-writer Mat Sinner, who also plays in both those bands, and new vocalist, something of a German legend, Michael Bormann, who has been singing professionally since the '70s! While ‘Caught In Their Wicked Game’ comes tearing from the speakers, to open this eleven track (‘Raise Your Hands’ digi-pak bonus included) reintroduction, neither the speed nor intensity are ever matched again. In addition to Beyrodt’s dexterity, the tune contains sweeping keyboard passages. It’s the abundance of that latter instrumental element that differentiates SILENT FORCE from the guitarist’s other handiwork. Despite being a “guitarist’s record” there’s a prominence of ivories amongst the commercially tuneful hard rock, sort of like faceless 80s “rock” film soundtracks. ‘Before You Run’ and ‘Born To Be A Fighter’ are a little more aggressive than their surroundings, ‘You Gotta Kick It’ walks the fine line between power ballad and Sunset Strip strut (an inferior attempt at something similar to WHITE WOLF’s ‘She’), saved only by an injection of Beyrodt. Hammond organ adds a bit to the vintage take of ‘Turn Me Loose’ (not the LOVERBOY song!). Infectious, but a bit too AOR for most metalheads.