Silence

Blindside earned itself a cult following in the hardcore scene with two highly acclaimed Solid State releases that showcased the band's vociferous honesty musically as well as lyrically. Touring the independent scene, these Swedish natives formed close bonds with then underground mainstay P.O.D., a friendship that culminated with Blindside becoming the first signing to Elektra imprint label 3 Points. Silence marks Blindside's major-label debut, and finds the group reverting back to the initial aggressive alternative rock from its eponymous debut, yet the maturity and slick production are quite evident. Working with Howard Benson, the members of Blindside have seemingly pushed themselves to the limit to propel every song on this 13-track outing with sincere emotion, and in the process these men have effectively learned how to write hit songs. The material offered on Silence is edgy yet veers into mainstream hard rock territory, allowing much of the group's hardcore sound to evaporate in place of heavenly melodies. Older fans may find the tighter, more focused Blindside a sour taste, yet Silence is a courageous release that displays the group's immense growth from its abrasive hardcore past.