Silent Planet is back and they have switched up their game in bold fashion. Iridescent has been slowly growing on me ever since it dropped and has become one of my favourites of 2021, and this single beckons a new era of their sound that I think I will love even more.
The moment it starts, you can tell it's different. Rolling in with an electronic synth wobbling and techy beats, with Garrett's vocals in a processed and chill R&B-like texture, it's unlike anything they've done before, yet catchier than ever. The heavy instrumental that follows is exquisite, between tastefully simple chugs and a well-patterned synth melody, one that goes on to form the backbone of the chorus.
The verse that follows keeps the electronics but adds the band in, fully rocking. The production is amazing and the subtle scream vocal layer in the back is such a smart way to smoothly amp up the energy. Even the clean vocals get stronger and you can tell they're building up for something good.
They bring back the heavy refrain but shape it into a chorus, complete with their signature poetic lyricism and Garrett's amazing screams. The whole band sounds on point and this new sound feels fully realised with this moment, all the pieces of the soundscape in place. It's a really cool futuristic industrial metalcore sound that really sets itself apart from everything else right now.
There's this really great sounding intermission as they build up to the climax, which isn't really a breakdown but has a very familiar Silent Planet full-force anthemic punch to it. I love the ambient and atmospheric elements going all the way to the drop, the processed echo vocals and the main synth sound, and how seamlessly it blends with the band. When the drop hits, the lead line is epic, the lyrics are so unmistakably Silent Planet's, and the atmosphere is incredible. It's the kind of sound that only they can pull off to this degree, and I love that this section keeps the song from feeling too far out from their sound. The song ties up quite nicely, nothing new left to offer but running the chorus once more to seal the deal.
Antimatter is a surprising change from their sound, even compared to recent releases like :Signal: and Iridescent. It's another great genre-defying release that's perpetuating through the modern metal scene as of late, one that is highly appreciated and extremely exciting for both the band and us listeners. They've said online that the next album will be a variety of new sounds, which is setting high expectations, but I'm sure they'll hit the mark and go beyond. Until that happens, this is a banger and definitely going to be high on the 2023 list.
Rating: 4.5/5