Imperiumi – September 15th, 2008
http://www.imperiumi.net

8+ /10

A fresh new band, Silent Call, has arisen from Stockholm, where many other melodic metal bands
come from. It is still hard to believe that the band is Swedish, because the style of their music is very
German-Swiss. The album is very powerful in every way. Its melodies and hooks are carefully thought
over and the result is just wonderful!
The roots of the band go all the way to the 90's when its founders Daniel Ekholm and Patrik Ulfström
met and later formed the band ''Satins 'n' Lace'', that later changed its name to Jamback.
In 2006 the band hooked up with drummer Mikael kvist and the singer, Andi Kravlijaca. The clearvoiced
Andi was found from bands like ex- Seventh Wonder and from Elsephere, where Mikael played
as well. In 2007 the demo Divided showed the direction of the band, with its finally formed line-up. It
got good reviews and brought the band a record deal with Escape Music.
One of the most important factors of the band is the awesome and versatile voice of Andi. It is an mix
of Tony Harnell (ex- TNT), Matthias Schenck (Shylock), and Tony Mills ( TNT, Shy), especially in the
power ballad '' I Believe in me '', that has keyboards that make me shiver, and the chorus is pure gold.
Andi gives his everything in every song and his voice is so grimly sympathic, even when he is required
to sing high and hard. Silent Call has something magically gratifying. It is full of progressive and
power influences, but in the same time is a little bit like Shy from the 80's, which I have been looking
for a long time. For the sake of comparison, listen to the Shy album ''Excess all areas'' from 1987 and
''Can't fight the nights'' or ''Break down the walls'', that made the band famous.
With their debut, Silent Call keep bringing good vibrations, even if they don't bring anything '' Super
new'' to the table, and sometimes repeat themselves.
Right from the start the fresh "My way, My time" puts a shake into the listener's leg. The band's
versatility, especially in '' Bloodred Sky'', amazes me. There are too many bands to compare to already.
But You could add the English band Threshold to the list, because the band's music leans on to
Progressive metal more than anything, even though Andi's voice and some of the melody parts sound
like Shy.
On the album You can also hear Göran Edmans ''golden voice'' (Yngwie Malmsteen, Brazen Abbot) in
the song ''Long comes the night'', and Daniel Flores (Mind's eye) makes a guest appearance on drums.
The band's big resource except for Andi is Mikael (Fate, Elsephere), that brings his progressive drum
beats very nicely to the music, and enlivens the atmosphere. Those who have followed the Swedish
Melodic metal scene are sure to be happy to see Red/Fun/Oz/Creozoth - Bass player Tobbe Moen. With
this awesome line-up the bands dazzling debut isn't a big wonder in itself, even though it "only" got an
8+ rating mostly for repeating its genre clichees, and because the album has got an awesome reply from
the world, the band will be under huge pressure for the next album. ''The Chosen Path'' ends the album
with its Christian harmony feeling, as the piano and the back-up choir are supporting the great sound of
Andi. Yes, they will surely melt many ladies' hearts with this album, but it is just as suitable for
Progressive and power metal dudes and dudettes!
We want more!
Satu Reunanen,

Planet Music & Media – September 13th, 2008
http://www.planet.tt

Even the introductory riff thunderstorm speaks volumes, and even otherwise Silent Call have
everything in their grasp, everything that marks yet another Swedish rock highlight. Ultra-melodic
songs with striking metal/prog essence, a handfull of parade ballads and a flawless playing
performance, which draws clear conclusions from the many years of experience by the band members:
Exceptional shouter Andi Kravljaca used to stand behind the microphone for Seventh Wonder and
Elsesphere, and also Danne Ekholm (guitars), Patrik Ulfström (Keys), Tobbe Moen (bass) and Mikael
Kvist (drums) have been in various local bands. Insane debut!

StayMetal (ESP) – September 9th, 2008
http://staymetal.net

74/100

Because I don't want to digress, I will define them in a very simple manner as not at all "progressive".
There are easy riffs, very linear vocal harmonies, no more complicated than those of any other
European Melodic Metal band. To be sure, the instrumental parts vary a lot among themselves, but
without the dispersion that would be proper for a progressive metal band. So the question is - How was
it possible for this band to be catalogued in this way? What is so progressive about the Swedes in
SILENT CALL and their debut album "Creations From A Chosen Path"? Nothing, I believe, so fanatics
of progressive and nothing else (You know, Edge and Bardo XD), won't really scratch their itch with
them. However, if You are willing to accept melodic metal with a certain dose of technique, this is a
good band to get started with.
The peculiarities in SILENT CALL, with respect to other melodic metal bands, is that the singer is a
boy, hehehe, yes I said a boy, trust me when I say I had to take a look at their website to convince
myself that he was a guy because at first I thought this was a lady without an angelic voice, nor the
voice of a failed soprano; neither is it torn, simply put it is strong, but veeeeeery feminine. I repeat, it's
a guy that's singing.
If I had to come up with some current musical references, I could think of, bridging the gap, the
Austrians in SERENITY, or even a less progressive and melodic KAMELOT, without the double bass
drums but a level of technique that evokes their compatriots SEVENTH WONDER. It is decidedly
melodic metal, technical, not progressive, not particularly direct but quite agreeable to listen to.
It is not a work of art, nor is it abominable, it has its ups and downs but on the whole it's very palatable.
The highlights are the first three songs "My Way, My Time", "Outcast", and "I Believe In Me", which
apart from representing the band's music very faithfully, also possess a lot of quality and appeal, and in
the case of the third song, "I Believe In Me", a great deel of feeling and melancholy. A mega-hit where
it stands, a semi-ballad bordering on a grandiose level, and one which the singer, Andi Kravljaca,
interprets magnificently well.
"Hold On" stands out well above the average, and not only that, it manages to become into another
great track, with an excellent vocal triplet (verse, bridge, and chorus). "Divided" begins in a manner
simultaneously disturbing and powerful, after that the song gets lost between musical changes that
aren't very sudden, and culminates with a crescendo in the chorus. Finally, nearing the end, we find a
jewel named "Can't Breathe". Once again the band depends on a crescendo, but in this case the buildup
of speed, and the introduction of distorted guitars, takes place between verse and verse. Pay attention to
the magnificent chorus, and, in general, to the whole composition.
The other songs that we haven't mentioned aren't weak, I suppose they maintain the level, although
without striking home or standing out as much as the ones we've commented upon. Perhaps a few of
the songs are superfluous. 13, apart from giving bad luck to all the superstitious people, strikes me as
an excessive number. The production is very good for the type of music performed, the musicians are
on top of their game without showing off and the disc neither flies nor fails excessively. It's metal that's
melodic and technical, without delivering that extra power, with good choruses and a good singer. If
You like all of that, make a note of these Swedes.

Metal Inside (DE) – September 5th, 2008
http://www.metal-inside.de

With SILENT CALL, yet another Swedish group gets ready to intervene in the fate of the Metal world.
The debut album "Creations From A Chosen Path" is pretty much what You would expect from a
Scandinavian Melodic metal band. The songs lie somewhere in between TWILIGHTNING,
STRATOVARIUS, SONATA ARCTICA, TWILIGHT GUARDIANS and AXENSTAR. What is
noticeable, however, is that most of the songs appear to be downright relaxed, and there are absolutely
no double bass drum anthems to be found. This also means that in the long term something is missing
in the choice, even though the songs are all very good when considered individually. Over the total
playing time, however, it would be nice if there was a break offered here and there, from the style that's
been laid down once and for all. However, You can also hear in SILENT CALL, that there are no
newbies at work here, but that all the musicians can already look back on long music careers. The
whole work sounds very mature. Whoever favors the midtempo songs of the reference bands we've
mentioned, should try "Creations From A Chosen Path" on for size.

Power of Metal (DK) – September 2nd, 2008
http://www.powerofmetal.dk

72/100

Debut album from Swedish Silent Call from Stockholm, and even though this is their debut album they
can trace their lineage all the way back to the year 1990. So they are no spring chickens, and it shows
in their approach to the business and to music.
Melodic metal with touches of progressive metal, mostly in the keyboard sounds and keyboard vs.
guitar duels, with roots in the very strong Swedish hard rock scene is the name of the game. And Silent
Call turns out to be a pleasant experience, their music is well written and played, we are clearly dealing
with some experienced and talented musicians here.
Their downfall might lay in the fact that talent and skills simply isn't enough to stand out. They do
sound like so many other bands in this genre, and they do sadly enough never try to step out of the
confines of progressive melodic metal, so we end up with a solid effort with no real surprises.
The result is a good beginning, no more, no less...

Metal Symphony - September 2nd, 2008
http://www.metalsymphony.com/

7/10

Melodic heavy metal with a progressive tint is what this Swedish group brings us.
Among their ranks are three veterans of metallic combat, hailing from groups like
Fate, Elsesphere, Seventh Wonder, Red Fun, and the marvellous and undervalued OZ,
the mythical 80's band that I still remember with joy.

This CD is their debut in a large way, previously there was only a 4 track demo,
which helped them get signed by Escape. A proper piece of work with authentically luxurious
collaborations: Göran Edman and Daniel Flores, who isn't the secret child of Lola from Spain,
but is the drummer of Secret Sphere and Mind's Eye.

Musically this reminds me of Dreamscape, Everon, Vanden Plas and Threshold.

Highlights include "Behold My Dreams" and "Bloodred Sky", with an excellent job by the keyboards,
or the sensational "I Believe In Me", a ballad very much in the spirit of the great power groups.

Andrés Horrillo

Power Metal (DE) – August 31st, 2008
http://www.powermetal.de/

Silent Call are a swedish quintet, and are releasing their first album "Creations From A Chosen Path".
A glance at the cover art made me afraid that this band was going to be fronted by an angry elf and move
in the "Tralala" direction, lyckily however this isn't the case. Admittedly there's a lot of melodic metal
there to hear, however in Andi Kravljaca the band has a very versatile singer with a pleasantly warm
tone of voice from the start.
It is not only because of this, though, that You can call SILENT CALL's album above average. The
band understand, after all, how to write catchy choruses ("Hold On"), how to build up progressive parts
("Long Comes The Night"), and how to offer kitch-free ballads ("Can't Breathe"). This is a whole lot
more than I was expecting. Sure, for me the keyboards are too dominant in some places, but overall the
guitars are really fat and really grind out of the speakers, and along with the powerful rhythm work
(including double bass drums) take care of the band earning the "Metal" attribute.
Towards the end "Creations From A Chosen path" admittedly loses its wind somewhat, but despite this
fact, this debut is noteworthy through-and-through. And anyone that can generally imagine a healthy
mixture of ASTRAL DOORS and SPACE ODYSSEY, should find themselves perfectly here as well.
Tips: Hold on, Long Comes The Night, Can't Breathe

Peter Kubaschk

Metal Earth (DE) – August 30th, 2008
http://www.metalearth.de/index.php

8/10

The foundation for the Swedish band Silent Call was laid down already in 1990: Guitarist Daniel
Ekholm and keyboardist Patrik Ulfström started to play in various bands together, and gathered
experiences which have come to shape their current sound. Only in 2006 did the other members of the
band join up, and two years later the debut album "Creations From A Chosen Path" is finally at the
gates.
As interesting as this may sound, my first impression of this record is, the first time around, rather
unspectacular - Silent Call, too, invent nothing new in Melodic Metal. This, however, did absolutely
nothing to keep me from very gladly giving the album a second listen, since these gentlemen really
thoroughly understand their handiwork. Above all the opener "My Way, My Time" drills its was into
my ear canals with its catchy chorus, and from here it goes on in the style of 80's hard rock. From time
to time the powerful voice does admittedly falter, but this is a small minus. The rest of the album seems
more melodic and more modern, the keyboards are used in a versatile way and even otherwise the
Swedes seem to have all kinds of ideas, and portray the songs interestingly.
If there was a review checklist, then the points "Ballad" and "Instrumental" would receive a big check
mark. Above all the tempo changes in the course of the songs and the album never let any boredom
start; the progressive influences also stop an overdose of kitch, which in the case of many other bands
simply annoys me.
I can't really say why this rocks; somehow some special elements are missing (especially in the second
half of the record), which would mark the particular songs, or make them into something outstanding.
In addition, much of their sound unfortunately doesn't really stick even after several listens, so this is
truly music for the moment.
The last point can however also be seen positively - with their "Creations" Silent Call manage to sweep
their listeners away with each listen, without ever seeming pushy or intrusive. An extraordinarily
successful debut; from me it gets 8 points and for the next album I'm holding everything above this
open.

Rockline (SLO) – August 28th, 2008
http://www.rockline.si

There's obviously a new wave of elite Scandinavian bands, the kind that play easily accessible
progressive metal, seemingly without end. Before us lies the debut of Swedish group Silent Call. And if
I throw out names like Platitude or Seventh Wonder, that's a good approximation. Slightly less
complicated than something like Circus Maximus, especially when considering the complexity of the
guitar solos and interludes, and keyboard-guitar interplay, but with an extraordinary degree of melody.
To be honest, this sense of melody is second to nothing for Silent Call. Compact and melodic choruses
get stuck in Your head from the first listen, and the band succeeds in conjuring up a diverse degree of
chorus compactness among their compositions, so that the album stays interesting and attractive all the
way through, dynamic and composed with quality in mind.
The hard-edged production of the album is slightly surprising, with accented guitar riffs that sonically
move Silent Call close to the Germans in Vanden Plas. This applies also to individual keyboard
passages, as proven for instance in the short interlude Fallen and the move to the opening riff of the
song Rise. The singer Andi Kravljaca (previously in Seventh Wonder), from time to time reminds me,
in the style of the verses and vocal melodies, of Andy Kuntz (Vanden Plas), not so much when
comparing the tone of voice, although Kravljaca is a powerful and convincing singer in the middle,
high, and very high pitch ranges, and also brings a sizeable degree of melody to the sound of the band.
The calm, striking, mid-tempo semi ballad I Believe In Me proves, that the guys weren't born
yesterday, but that they possess an extraordinary gift for combining thoroughly compatible melodies,
that really tie the bridge-chorus relationship together. All of the members (instrumentalists) and the
vocals coexist so perfectly in the production, and truly help to emphasies the great melodies that this
album is so absolutely full of. These great melodies also possess a large and high atmosphere, due to
the typically Scandinavian school of melancholy, which is supplied particularly by the keyboards, and
the exposed riffs. Next to this melodiousnesss Silent Call stay true to the progressive branch of metal,
because they conjure up multiple tempo changes in their songs, and also play with the basic guitar
phrases and song motifs. But the basic common thread of their whole essence is first and foremost theis
poisonously contagious and great sense of melody.
If Your tastes lean toward this manner of Scandinavian charm, driven by the search for melodic
perfection, and next to this, top level technical playing, in addition to an epic and bombastic
atmosphere that quality-wise doesn't fail on a single point, then Silent Call are a find for You. They
will also be attractive for all of You that burn for bands like Brother's Firetribe, H.E.A.T. or Leverage,
only molded to Silent Call's expression of melodic perfection.

Aleš Podbrežnik

Rock Report (BE) – August 27th, 2008
http://www.rockreport.be/home.asp

5/6

The main men behind this new Swedish band are guitarist Daniel Ekholm and keyboarder Patrik
Ulfström. It was through a common friend that they met each other in 1990 and since then they have
been playing together in several local heavy metal bands, such as Satins ‘n’ Lace and Jamback. Some
years ago they founded Silent Call and were joined by drummer Mikael Kvist (Elsesphere, Fate) in
2006. With him they not only brought in a powerhouse skinsman, but also a great songwriting partner.
The next musician who followed, was Kvist’s old friend, bass player Tobbe Moen (ex-Red Fun). The
vocalist’s slot was finally filled in September 2006, when ex-Seventh Wonder and Elsesphere singer
Andi Kravljaca joined the lot. A strong line-up and so, things quickly moved into gear for the band.
“Divided”, a four-track demo, was released in January 2007 and sent to several European record labels.
Three months later the band was signed to Escape Music.
Although “Creations From A Chosen Path” is only the band’s first release, it sounds quite mature and
impressive, not in the least because of the quality of the songs and the effort of the seasoned band
members. To be honest, this doesn’t sound like a debut album from a new band at all! What you get
here, is powerful melodic metal of the finest sort, brought to you by a bunch of enthusiastic players,
joined by guests like Göran Edman (vocals) and Daniel Flores (drums, Mind’s Eye). Produced and
mixed by Martin Kronlund (known from his work for HammerFall) at the JM Recording Studio in
Göteborg, Sweden and provided with an attractive cover, this is yet another quality release from the
good guys at Escape Music, who bring us a wider variety of rock and metal lately. Recommended stuff,
for sure!

Extended Mix (SE) – August 27th, 2008
http://www.extendedmix.com/

6/10

One of the great new singers in this country is called Andi Kravljaca, and previously, we've been able
to hear his lush voice in among others Seventh Wonder and Elsesphere, but from now on, all of You on
the prowl for bands with greats singer can make a note of SILENT CALL as one of the new metal
bands to check out. Andi has a voice that can best be described as a hybrid of Göran Edman and
Russell Allen, and his name naturally made me curious of SILENT CALL. The band's music isn't far
from Seventh Wonder's progressive metal with melodic pretentions. Andi's current band is, however,
slightly less progressive and on this album sounds a little more soft, but this could also be due to the
fact that the production leaves much to be desired.
SILENT CALL is a band sprung up from Stockholm's rock scene, and two of the members, Daniel
Ekholm and Patrik Ulfström, began playing together already in 1990, in a band called Satins'n'Lace,
which later became Jamback. The other members come from bands such as Creozoth, Fate and
Elsesphere, but according to my information Göran Edman and Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) are also on
the record, backing up the band, it is huwever unclear where.
”Creations From A Chosen Path” was started in 2006 and an EP with four of the songs was released in
january of 2007, in an effort to land an exclusive record deal. England's Escape Music ended up signing
the guys and the 13 track debut is about to be released this week. What really impresses me is Andi's
fantastic voice, which lifts the rather thin material to unseen heights. SILENT CALL is a band that
lacks its own profile, and there are few songs which stand out in the evenly sounding materal. The best
tracks are ”Hold On”, ”I Come Undone”, ”I Believe In Me”, and the ballad ”The Chosen Path”, where
once again Andi is the main attraction.
Martin Kronlund, along with the guys from SILENT CALL, was responsible for the production, and I
would have like to hear more thump, and a sharper dynamic in the mix, but unfortunately the situation
is like this far too often. SILENT CALL are an interesting and good band with relatively cool material,
which I'm sure would have been even better with stuff like real drums, and so on...

Roger

Metal Express Radio (NO) – August 27th, 2008
http://www.metalexpressradio.com/

8.5/10

The Melodic Rock scene in Sweden really thrives right now. Through this very year we’ve seen many
great releases, and yet some not so good as well. Now we’re about to look upon one of the best releases
heading from the Swedish Melodic Rock scene; Silent Call. The trails of Silent Call goes way back to
1990 when Patrick and Daniel begun playing together. In 2006 the band’s line-up was completed. Their
four track demo tape which was released in 2007 under the name Divided gained them a lot of attention
from European labels. They decided to sign with Escape Music and begun working on the debut album
which is now accessible; Creation From Another Path.
The strong opener “My Way, My Time” truly sets the standard for this album. It goes forward with
such drive that you can’t stop your foot from stomping a beat in ecstasy. The riffs are aggressive and
the keyboard pulls it all together with its outstanding chord progressions and sound. What is the most
pleasing appearance on this song, and the rest of the album, is the voice of vocalist Andi Kravljaca
which has a clear and high-pitched voice. He doesn’t get tiring listening to either because he doesn’t
overload the album with constant high notes. He rather enjoys himself somewhere in between the high
and low register most of the time. Of course he also experiments in those two mentioned registers as
well. He actually sounds like a mix of the singers Michelle Luppi (Vision Divine) and Fabio Lione
(Rhapsody Of Fire).
“I Belive In Me” is the first ballad on the record. It opens with moody piano playing, shortly after, it is
followed by the entire band. The band sounds fantastically tight and delivers their very best. Again
you’re blown away by the voice of singer Andi. The strength of an album really relies on the vocalist.
The music can be fantastic but if the vocalist has an awful voice then it is difficult to like it, after all, it
is the singer that conveys the musical message through the lyrics and vocal lines.
A one minute long intro entitled “Fallen”, which is a little symphonic inspired, mostly dominated by
piano and synth effects, opens for the song “Rise”. It’s one of the darkest and most aggressive songs on
the record. On this one the first guitar solo appears too! There are actually two solos on this one, maybe
compensating for the lack of solos on the previous songs?
“Divided” is the title track from their demo tape which gained them a record deal. Listening to this one
it’s quite understandable why they were signed. It’s a tremendous song, very melodic and dominated by
aggressive guitars and atmospheric keyboards.
But what is the most surprising thing with this album comes on the song “Long Comes The Night”.
Previously on this record there have not been many guitar solos, and those that have been are not that
impressive. One starts to believe the guitarist is not much of a solo player, but in the minute you’re
settled with this thought in mind he literally blows your mind away. Midway in this song his playing
explodes! His fingers run up and down the guitar-neck shredding out a million notes, screaming
aggressively and in the end he even harmonies the madness. It’s pure enjoyment! And what a surprise
actually, it comes like lightning on a cloudless day.
There’s no doubt in that this is a very solid release. Creation From Another Path features guest
appearances from some very great names like, for example, singer Goran Edman, which is maybe most
known for his work with John Norum (Europe) and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Their music is a slight mixture of Melodic Rock and Progressive elements, it makes the songs not so
predictable and more exciting as well. With a fantastic production this album sends itself into the group
of “greatest Melodic Rock releases” so far this year. This is an album worthy to be checked out, Silent
Call is definitely a band one should hope from more from!

Andreas Nergård

Hall of Metal (ES) – August 26th, 2008
http://www.hallofmetal.com/index.php

8/10

After the latest period of criticisms in the modern field, I return now to one of my weaknesses with this
debut act from Sweden called SILENT CALL, whose release has been taken care of by the Brits at
Escape Music.
Just as in the case of APPEARANCE OF NOTHING, here we need to talk about how strange it is for
this band to be launched by this particular label, since, once again, this is neither hard rock nor AOR
(although there is some of that hidden in there). This quintet is dedicated to to Nordic melodic metal,
covered in modern progressive metal, which is ultimately the name this type of band uses to package
their music.
The history of this band basically began in the early '90s, as a mere entertainment for Daniel and Patrik,
two musical partners for life. The two musicians had joined several bands known in their local
neighborhood, but little else, but everything changed in 2006, when they met with drummer Mikael
Kvist (ELSESPHERE, FATE) and decided on using their current name. Micke forced his colleguas to
put their batteries in and focus on the composition of their songs, as well as helping them complete the
line-up. The first of his contacts that gave the nod to join SILENT CALL was a veteran musician, bass
player Tobbe Moen (OZ, CREOZOTH, RED FUN); the last was the vocalist Andi Kravljaca (ex-
SEVENTH WONDER, ELSESPHERE). WIth these acquisitions, the band recorded a demo
("Divided") in early 2007 and presented it to various record companies, until finally the people of
Escape signed them. They quickly took to practicing and are now releasing their debut, "Creations
From A Chosen Path", which in addition features collaborations with two mythicals of the scene: Göran
Edman, and Daniel Flores.
Musically these guys don't offer up anything that departs from the norm in this style (which is already
beginning to be saturated ...), so then the best thing they have is that registered trademark of Swedes,
making us drool with their choruses and good ideas. Having a fine vocalist such as Andi gives a lot of
aid to songs like "My Way, My Time", and "Outcast", that open this album at a very high level. The
chorus of his band mates supports his fabulously great performance. Add to this how well they
maneuver in these melodic areas (with power always under control), smoothly bathed in progressive
elements above it all, make it impossible to lose interest in listening further.
After these two mid-tempo songs the band offers us a very well interpreted ballad entitled "I Believe In
Me", with an Andi that is both colossal and small, without obscuring that famous Nordic tone of voice
or how well his voice rises to meet every opportunity. The sound is classic, with piano and keyboard
orchestrations elegantly accompanying the rest of the instruments. The next theme, "Fallen", appears to
want to carry on with what was offered in the previous song, since it is a brief instrumental theme in
the ballad-esque plane, with absolute mastery of romantic piano. And I say "appears", because after the
intro it is connected to music that seems typical of Raphael, ha ha ha ha. He's a pain, don't You worry,
he he he, we'll mention JOURNEY or TOTO and keep this more stately. ;-)
Uniting in loudness the band take a step into ”Rise”, a track with numerous touches of AOR, due to
keyboards and maximum smoothness in the verses (very low down, with dream-like drums).
Fortunately, as soon as we enter the chorus the tomb is opened, and smooth progressive metal, and that
”Made In Sweden” chorus is launched at us, topped off with and Andi that gives true class and
elegance to this group.
”Hold On” has a sound that reminds me enormously of really old Swedish hard / AOR bands of the '80s
(TREAT, 220 VOLT, ANDROID, the first GLORY...), with a powerful guitar and extremely AORsounding
keyboards, although obviously sounding more powerful and modern. Absolutely 100%
classic sound from this brilliant era, for You to enjoy.
We return to the use of a ballad-like intro in ”I Come Undone”, with an increase in mass as soon as we
move further into the song. A lot of ”devastating” guitar, interspersed with huge chorus choirs with a
bestial Andi at the microphone, and smooth, smooth keyboards... These damned Swedes make these
sounds like it was the easiest thing in the world (which it is not). One of the best tracks of the album.
We haven't abandoned the use of interrupted guitars, since they are used in the heavy and epic
”Divided”. After the intro they roll into some very smooth passages which may smack of typical DTclone,
but enormously skillfully they grab the rope into another one of those scandalous choruses, very
Nordic as expected, but with a really pronounced aroma of SCORPIONS. The guitar of our friend
Daniel is very good, and another singing lesson from the great Andi Kravljaca.
”Long Comes The Night” is the next track, and for this occasion we return to the use of some Nordic
hard/AOR in the verses, and that heavy guitar for the powerful and high-pitched chorus. A perfect vocal
melody from Andi, that I even see as original, or at least very little used; the boy shows his class in
every moment, and those who love grand voices highly appreciate the details, am I right? The solo
towards the middle moves in a neoclassical mode (GLORY, Y. MALMSTEEN...), and is played with a
lot of speed and quality.
The band makes use of an acoustic guitar for ”Can't Breathe”, another little ballad with a lot of class.
Soft vocals, a guitar struck with determination, elegant and powerful drums when necessary. When we
pass the equator of the song's duration, the acoustic gives way to heavy electric guitar, and the band
enormously increases their attack, with powerful, heavy, metal serving as the axis of their performance
(remember that this is still a ”ballad”). There is nothing bad to say about this song, I love it.
Neoclassical keyboards open the intro for ”Behold My Dreams”, and I have to use the most epic and
powerful sound of ROYAL HUNT to clarify the sound of this track. A good, dragging, riff, with
constant keyboards in the background, and another brutal performance by Andi behind the microphone,
with a gentle nod to Jorn Lande at some specific moments. This sound very skillfully pierces the
listener, and is done with SILENT CALL quality once again. Make a note of the title of this track,
You'll like it a lot.
Look, hehehe, I wasn't expecting such a groovy guitar as in the intro to ”Bloodred Sky”, one of the
heaviest tracks on the album. Once again, following the intro, there are some interrupted guitar lines
which fit the sound very well, a sound that returns to the more mildly progressive style of the previous
tracks. Pay attention to the persistent and rapid piano, which lies toward the middle, the voice of Andi
and the accompanying chorus, or the good and flashy solo of Daniel, very melodic although fast, and
the following competition between him and the keyboard player. Another very good song.
Nearing the end of the material we encounter ”The Chosen Path”, a ballad track with piano and
keyboards totally carrying the torch. Andi returns to score another point for the trophy cabinet, owing
to his enormous performance, including accompanying vocal harmonies by his band mates, choruses
and all the rest. A smooth and very elegant finish.
A good album has truly marked these beginners, and from what I can read on other international
websites, the press has acknowledged them very, very well. The truth as I see it is that the guys playing
here have conquered a great part of the terrain, and on top of that they are Swedish, the style of music
that they play........ they really have the world before them. There's just one small negative detail, and I
don't know if the promo version sounds like the final disc will, but the production does not do justice to
the great performance of the musicians, but listen, this is no reason to refrain from insistently
recommending these ”Creations From A Chosen Path” to all good lovers of trickier Scandinavian
metal.
Surely the next album from these guys will take off faster than a hiccup! Until that moment arrives,
here is a tasty appetizer of a career that will mature very well.

BurnYourEars (DE) – August 25th, 2008
http://www.burnyourears.de/index.php

8/10

The first steps of SILENT CALL happened back in 1990, when Daniel Ekholm and Patrik Ulfström
first met, and together with other musicians from the Seemingly inexhaustible Stockholm live scene
formed the band SATINS 'N' LACE, and afterward founded JAMBACK.
The band name SILENT CALL wasn't introduced until later, when the group, with its mix of melodic
and progressive metal, had found its own style.
The lineup was also something the Swedes took their time with, only becoming complete in 2006, with
both founding members, drummer Mikael Kvist (FATE, ELSESPHERE), bass player Tobbe Moen
(RED FUN, CREOZOTH), and singer Andi Kravljaca (SEVENTH WONDER).
WIth their four track demo "Divided" they awoke the interest of several labels, and ultimately decided
on the English label Escape Music, since they were offered the greatest prospects there.
The 13 tracks of their debut album "Creations From A Chosen Path" were recorded together with
producer Martin Kronlund in his JM Studios, and the sound of the record, with its weight and
transparency of at least Bundesliga quality, I could readily anticipate.
The songs are very thought through, sounding partially progressive already at times, and are regularly
relaxed by intelligently placed breaks. Apart from pure-bread headbangers like "Outcast" or the opener
"My Way, My Time", SILENT CALL also show themselves from their gentler side with the pianointroed
power ballad "I Believe In Me" and the acoustic intro ballad "Can't Breathe", which gathers
more and more momentum in the chorus. The singer Andi Kravljaca, above all, can really demonstrate
his vocal abilities. He is very nicely varied, and his vocal lines laced with lots of feeling and
expression.
The 1:27 minute-long piano interlude "Fallen" is very nicely played, but for me "Soundbytes" such as
this are really superfluous, and are perhaps better suited to a possible follow-up single package. When
the piece serves as an intro to the following track "Rise", with its very spacy sounding keyboard
sounds, it is my opinion that it would have been better to integrate it directly into the song.
This is however the only "Song" that falls through the matrix a little bit, since SILENT CALL
fortunately otherwise act on a relatively high level.
Nevertheless, "Behold My Dreams", which with its driving beat lives, and is propelled forward, is one
of the highlights for me, and is because of that also a listening tip, since all the trademarks of the band
unite in this one song.
Conclusion: SILENT CALL have released, for a debut album, a real find, that is really spiked with
numerous high points. And since well known guest musicians like among others Göran Edman
(Yngwie Malmsteen) and Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) can be found on the album, this certainly speaks
volumes about the excellent reputation this band has already conquered.

Author: Dirke bien.

Kronic (IT) – August 24th, 2008
http://www.kronic.it/default.aspx

3/5
The fact that Swedish debut act Silent Call offer up progressive metal should not lead anyone to
consider them as just another band riding the trend wave, or lose them in the mass of clone bands of
Dream Theater, Threshold and so forth. These guys bring us their own thing, and although the song
matrix is by force filled with the usual things, the songwriting has the advantage of a great taste in
melody, and a remarkable elegance in the performance of the songs, thanks to the aid of special guests
like Daniel Flores and Göran Edman.
Silent Call reside in a mode unequivocally influenced by bands like Everon, especially their recent
stuff, and concretely by Leverage, the marriage of which gives birth to a terrific opener like "My Way,
My Time", classic in the odd timings that characterize and are endowed with some very thought-out
arrangements. And though the next track, "Outcast", doesn't shine as much with personality, the same
cannot be said of "I Believe In me", a striking power ballad that posesses a devastating inner strength,
thanks to its candid references to Queensryche. Nor is the rock-solid "Rise" bad, starting off with the
tasteful intro "Fallen", where the singer Andi Kravljaca (formerly in Seventh Wonder) truly shows all
his cleverness, but from this point on the album seems to lean back and live off the interest of the
beauty in the first songs.
There is space for moments of pure artistry, like the epic "I Come Undone", or the atmospheric "Can't
Breathe", which with its melodic lines moves off into a certain AOR vein, and the last track "The
Chosen Path", which resumes the teachings of Enchant, all serves to confirm the desire of Silent Call to
stand out from the "mass", with a product which will immediately imprint them on critics and public
alike.
Too bad that it only works halfway through, but one good half is certainly worthy of praise and
consideration. To be monitored closely.

By Riccardo Osti

Metal Glory (DE) – August 23rd, 2008
http://www.metalglory.de/

7.5/10

Basic album rating: Simply Good
Value: Worth Buying

A tremendous Melodic-Prog-Metal offensive is rolling in (once again) from Sweden. SILENT CALL
are releasing, with their debut album "Creations From A Chosen Path" an excellent album, that simply
exudes energy, melody and the joy of playing. The five musicians of ex Seventh Wonder singer Andi
Kravljaca prove with 13 bombastic Melodic tracks, that they can ride with bands like Allen/Lande,
Masterplan, Blind Alley or Stratovarius.
Already the super-catchy opener "My Way, My Time" is strongly reminiscent of many other
compositions of the genre, but is so well done that You can simply not get enough of it. Similar feelings
are experienced throughout the rest of the songs, "Outcast" or the great ballad "I Believe In Me".
SILENT CALL understand how to bring keyboards and guitars into perfect harmony, but without
losing sight of the necessary roughness in the process. The great bulk of the songs are largely in the
faster mid-tempo speeds, even though some of the slower tracks actually move in the AOR direction.
In the end the high standard of the album's beginning can unfortunately not be entirely sustained, and a
few fillers manage to sneak in. However, even here the storng impression finds its way through and
comes back. To finish off, SILENT CALL once again launch a proper anthem with "The Chosen Path".
Until about the halfway mark of the album SILENT CALL provide some absolutely super-melodic
Metal, after that it feels a bit washed out, but still lies well above the average.
As guest musicians we find among others the ex Yngwie Malmsteen voice of Göran Edman. Martin
Kronlund, who has already handled the controls with Hammerfall and Alliance, was responsible for the
production.
Conclusion: A strong debut album with a mercilessly good Melodic
Tips: My Way, My Time, Rise, Outcast

Metal Factory (CH) – August 18th, 2008
http://www.metalfactory.ch/

8.5/10

Highlights for August:
The story of Silent Call began already in 1990, when Daniel Ekholm and Patrik Ulfström got to know
each other. It wasn't until 2006 that drummer Mikael Kvist and bass player Tobbe Moen joined the line
up. After releasing their first demo in 2007, their first album is now here. As the band's name suggests,
Silent Call offer up some calm music. In this way they move between Melodic and Progressive metal,
but still manage to develop their own style. In this way, one can without any problems sort Silent Call
among other Prog bands. It also pleases me that the four guys apparently didn't want to try and rehash
someone elses music. The result is a debut album, which should make the hearts of the Prog/Melodic
fan community beat faster. Catchy songs with many musical subtleties, performed with a lot of energy
and love for the cause. Just as it should be. With their debut album ”Creations From A Chosen Path”,
Silent Call have succeeded in making a album full of variations, which won't be out of place in any
Prog collection.

Miriam

FFM Rock (DE) – August 10th, 2008
http://allover-ffm-rock.de/

To mention that the guys from Silent Call are from Sweden is not necessary, as knowledgeable listeners
will already have determined this from the first note. Already playing for some time under the names
Satins'n'Lace and Jamback, their debut is finally here after a name change to Silent Call. Swedish
Melodic Metal par exellence, laced with a decent dose of power and laid back Progressive Metal
passages: This is "Creations From A Chosen Path". An album in a non stop balancing act. Balancing act
because You've already heard this entire record, from beginning to end, somewhere in this genre.
Brazenly the band has used the very best and most popular components and have crafted songs from
them, which are not new or surprising, but are still god damned mega-catchy, appealing and simply
beautiful. So, to be sure, none of the compositions really stand out, but are somehow appealing without
exception, already on the first listen. Credit goes first and foremost to the singer "Andi Kravljaca", who
adds a lot of feeling, and 70% of the melody in the songs with his truly pure, Progressive Metal vocals.
The many peaceful and soaring passages are also a big fat plus in the overall sound. The native rhythm
section, driving and pumping, as well as various guest musicians lend a certain final touch to
"Creations From A Chosen Path". Bottom line - I can without any deliberation recommend Silent Call.
Solid performances, craftsmanship know-how and a sense for putting the right melody in the right
place, in the end make the plagiarised influences fade away more and more.

The Mayfair Mall Zine (UK) – August 10th, 2008
http://www.themayfairmallzine.com/

With the year more than half way through there have been numerous debut releases that have really
caught my attention and another band that has floated my boat are Stockholm’s Silent Call.
The bands debut album ‘Creations From A Chosen Path’ once again shows the multitude of talent
coming out of Scandinavia over the past few years. The band deliver high class Melodic Progressive
Metal that will simply rock your world if you’re into the genre as it did with me.
The band was put together by Daniel Ekholm (guitar) and Patrik Ulfstrom (keyboards), who were
joined by the tub thumper Mikael Kvist, bassist extraordinaire Tobbe Moen, with the final slot of
vocalist being filled by ex Seventh Wonder / Elsesphere frontman Andi Kravljaca.
Together the quintet have put together one of the Melodic Metal albums of the year for me, an
outstanding release that just simply exudes energy and power without being over bombastic or
grandiose.
This quite superb album gets underway with ‘My Way My Time’ and right from the very start of the
track, I instantly knew this was going to be an album I would simply love and I wasn’t wrong. As the
big guitar and keyboard intro gets things underway, while the thunderous bass and drums of Moen and
Kvist simply explode onto the scene. Then it’s the icing on the cake, the simply magnificent vocals of
Kravljaca that just take the band to another level. This along with some fine guitar work from Ekholm
all go to make this is a superb introduction to the band.
They continue their impressive path with the excellent ‘Outcast’, again the soaring guitars of Ekholm
and the fine vocals of Kravljaca really making their mark on the track, along with the effervescent
rhythms of Kvist and Moen keeping everything together.
The band bring the tempo down just a little with another slice of pure Melodic Prog class in the form of
‘I Believe In Me’, the stirring guitars of Ekholm and the keyboards of Ulfsrtom really are the stand out
feature of this track as it sweeps and soars along on a carpet of Melody and Grace.
‘Fallen’ is where Ulfstrom comes into his own this is 1 minute 27 seconds of pure keyboard wizardry
and acts as an intro into another of my favourite pieces off the album the quite inspirational ‘Rise’. A
great track that builds with every verse into a monument to the bands immense sound.
When an album is this good you just can't believe that this is the bands debut release. The high-class
musicianship from a band that have only been together as a unit since 2006 is just amazing. This
album continues to impress as each track unfolds a piece superior to its predecessor or if not its equal,
with this the track of the album for me has to be ‘Hold On’, an intense mix of fiery drums and bass
interwoven with a some majestic keys and guitars all topped with Kravljaca’s fabulous vocal.
‘I Come Undone’ and ‘Divided’ once again highlight the superb mix of power and melody the band
have put together in a sound that is quite awe inspiring.
I have almost ran out of superlatives to describe how great this album is and I have only reached the
half way mark, but I will continue to guide you through as best I can as the album continues with the
darker edged ‘Long Comes The Night’ and the almost ballad like tones of ‘Can’t Breathe’.
Another of the many highlights of the album has to be ‘Behold The Dreams’, a great track that again
Kravljaca’s claims as his own as he expresses every emotion vocally on this one and with the titanic
double kick assault by Kvist and the pummelling bass of Moen, the mix of dark and light is just
majestic.
With the album almost at a close the band pick the pace up a little with another of my personal
favourites ‘Bloodred Sky’, again the drums of Kvist stamp their mark on the track along with
Uflstrom’s electrifying keys.
The album comes to a close with ‘The Chosen Path’ as Ulfstrom gets this one underway along with
Kravljaca's soar away vocals, this one is sees the pair really bring this excellent album to fitting close.
This album is a real masterpiece and I for one can't wait for the second and third albums from the band
because these guys have a real future ahead of them if this album is anything to go by.

StrutterZine (NL) – August 4th, 2008
http://www.strutter.8m.com/

8.9/10

Dating back to as far as 1990, the Swedish band SILENT CALL finally releases it's debut-CD. The
album is released on ESCAPE MUSIC and without a doubt we have a winner here, because it is filled
with superb high quality Melodic Progressive Metal that is an easy target for fans of VANDENPLAS,
THRESHOLD, PAGAN'S MIND, MIND'S EYE, SILENT EDGE, SUNCAGED, etc. etc. Melodies
and fantastic instrumental work is making this an absolute masterpiece, owing a lot to lead singer
ANDI KRAVLJACA (ex-SEVENTH WONDER), who has got an amazing voice, reaching easily the
high octaves. The 13 songs are also very strong, with some amazing melodies here and there, with as
highlights "My way, my time", "Bloodred sky" (lovely!), "Outcast", "I believe in me" and "Long comes
the night" (fantastic!). This is really a must-have and perhaps one of the surprise releases of 2008,
definitely the best Melodic Progmetalalbum so far this year!

MyRevelations (DE) – August 3rd, 2008
http://www.myrevelations.de/
9/15

The Swedes Silent Call have a fitting band name for the cell phone age, and all come from the
Stockholm music scene. The musicians Daniel Ekholm and Patrik Ulfström have played together in
several bands dating all the way back to 1990. The current band Silent Call exists in this constellation
since 2006 and the album ”Creations From A Chosen Path” is logically the band's debut. Musically the
thorougly produced album skirts the twilight zone of ”Hard Rock meets Melodic Metal”. Singer Andi
Kravljaca (ex-Seventh Wonder) has a very melodic voice, the high, but not too high tone of which fits
the songs well. The sound is OK, but could be a bit fatter. The band understands how to write good
songs, which are basted in a certain ”fatness factor” and are all between 4 and 6 minutes long. Whether
it's a half-ballad like ”I Believe In Me” or a Rocker like ”Rise”, Silent Call often have a Piano
keyboard sound, and small loops which are cleverly integrated in the total sound, and convincing. In
the end, I can find no failures, no boredom but also no real hits on the record. ”Creations From A
Chosen Path” is a solid debut by a band which in the future will certainly be more competent, and
surely will be heard from again! Friends of this musical genre can certainly risk an ear.

GetReadyToRock (UK) – July 23rd, 2008
http://www.getreadytorock.com/

4/5

Swedish band Silent Scream release their debut album “Creations From A Chosen Path” in August- and
a 13-track melodic rock masterpiece it is.
There is some superb musical interaction between the band members and vocalist Andi Kravljaca and
highlights include the tracks “My Way, My Time”, “Rise”, “Hold On”, “Can’t Breathe” and “The
Chosen Path”.
If you liake a bit of powerful melodic metal then this album will be right up your street.

Nikk Gunns

Sleaze – Metal (DE) – July 18th 2008
http://www.sleaze-metal.com/

8.5/10

The Swedish Melodic Prog band ”Silent Call” will blast into our ears on August 22nd, as the band
releases its Debut album ”Creations From A Chosen Path”. The music of singer Andi Kravljaca's band
is very catchy, and lets some fine melodies shine through, packaged in a slightly progressive wrapping.
The tendencies toward this Melodic Prog Metal are sharply on the rise, with bands shooting out of the
ground like mushrooms, and it's easy to lose the big picture. But ”Silent Call” is a damned hot band,
whose album I loved already on the first listen. The melodies have such class, at least musically
speaking, it just has to sound this way. ”Silent Call” have such songs in their luggage as the heroic
opener ”My Way, My Time”, or the unbelievably strong ”I Believe In Me”, which for a Melodic fan
induces the highest of all emotions. Add to this the fact that this is all played with progressive elements,
and it appears clear that the album is wonderfully varying, and the level of the song structure is
extremely high. ”Silent Call” are no ”Dream Theater”, they're not ”Come hell or high water” about
fabricating complicated hooks, no; they attempt, and they attempt very well, to make an interesting
album, which is sometimes based on Prog, but with powerful melodies that genuine Melodic bands
must look upon with envy. Tips there are certainly a lot of, ”I Come Undone”, ”Divided”, and
especially ”I Believe In Me”.
”Creations From A Chosen Path” by ”Silent Call” is a recommendation for all people who love golden
melodies above all else.

Sweden Rock Magazine (SE) – April 2007 nr:43
http://www.swedenrockmagazine.com/

SILENT CALL provide a pleasant surprise by being a competent band with lots of influences
from THRESHHOLD, a heavier ENCHANT and perhaps a smidge of VANDEN PLAS.
The fact that they're Swedes (from Stockholm) doesn't exactly make it worse.
What quality, and what songs! "Outcast" and "Divided" could easily
have been taken off one of the latest THRESHOLD albums.
The singer, Andi Kravljaca, is a real find, but the rest of the band are also extremely competent.
In addition, the production is first class for a demo. A recording deal right away, if You please!

www.silentcall.se

Ola Gränshagen