Break the Silence

The popularity of near a cappella group Van Canto is growing with their fourth album, Break the Silence, as indicated by the fact that the album debuted at number 23 in the German charts, while their previous album, Tribe of Force, only managed to reach number 83. With constant touring and appearances at festivals such as Wacken and Rockstad Falun, the band continues to convince audiences that heavy metal does not need electric guitars -- or any instruments besides the drums, for that matter. On 2011's Break the Silence, the group again showcases its brand of power metal, performed by five vocalists (whose voices substitute for the guitars and bass) and a drummer -- with the exception of the ballad "Spelled in Waters," where Blind Guardian axeman Marcus Siepen guests with an acoustic guitar. Apart from the original compositions, the album includes a number of covers -- including Sabaton's "Primo Victoria," which features Sabaton frontman Joakim Broden as a guest vocalist. The limited edition includes three bonus tracks, including a cover of Running Wild's "Bad to the Bone." ~ Christian Genzel