SILVER MOUNTAIN “Breakin’ Chains” /CD/

The fourth full-length album by Swedish Heavy Metal band.
Jonas Ηansson, passionate Swedish vocalist/guitarist, has formed Silver Mountain in 1978 with compatriot Per Stadin, initially focusing on instrumental compositions of - the completely unknown by that time - Neoclassical Heavy tunes, clearly influenced by the mighty Rainbow aura. Jonas demonstrated a clearly keen-on-Blackmore style of baroque solos & melodies, transforming into a hard-as-hell riff work at faster tunes. Yet, it was not until 1982 - when the Johansson Bros joined the band (then playing in a Jazz/Fusion band called Slem) - that Silver Mountain started taking it more seriously (only a 7-inch single had been released, in 1979). Thus, the track "She Needs" was featured in the 1982 GS Music compilation "Skansk Rock". Still, it was a year later when the band's debut "Shakin' Brains" (1983) was released to leave everyone (fans & critics) completely astonished!
Before the deeds of Mr. Malmsteen (who was featured in session demos rehearsing with the band in that era, before even starting his solo career) Silver Mountain presented all the elements that the vast majority of fans now adore in bands from Malmsteen's Rising Force to Hammerfall and then to Stratovarius (in general, half of the Mid-Northern European bands). Baroque-ish yet still Heavy Power Metal, with a NWOBHM sound and Jonas' harsh epic vocal style that - judging from today's turn - contributed to (if not created) what we now call Neoclassical Power Metal.
Unfortunately, Anders & Jens left the band in 1984, joining the newly - then - formed Yngwie Malmsteen camp. The rest of their bio is well known. As for Silver Mountain, the band released two more studio albums (clearly on a lower level than the 1983 opus; still though very good) with a live recording in between - "Universe" (1985), "Live In Japan" (1986) and "Roses & Champagne" (1988) - and split. Hansson worked on various projects (Jonas Hansson Band, Legacy etc) and Stadin formed Snake Charmer (with the Johansson Bros, featuring talented vocalists like Pete Sandberg or Goran Edman), also participating in the Billionaires Boys Club project along with the famous Marc Boals, Jorg Fischer (ex-Accept) and Anders Johansson. Still, many rumors were circulating regarding a reunion of the classic Silver Mountain lineup, raising certain expectations about what this magnificent quartet would come out with in the 21st century. And so it happened! The result was "Breakin' Chains"!!
This release depicts what Silver Mountain stood for in the days of their glory. Without being any come-back or reunion album, "Breakin' Chains" features a set of re-recorded rarities (the infamous 1978 single, demo versions, session cuts, etc.) from the early 80's era, previously unavailable elsewhere. The band's performance is in high level and the whole scenario is smoking memories - the band's bio speaks for itself.
Recorded in Sweden, New York and Los Angeles, "Breakin' Chains" is proper for both the old loyal fans that memorize the unique songs Silver Mountain created 20 years ago, and the Metal fans that were never familiar with the band's legend and now have the great opportunity to clear out who contributed a lot to the definition of European Metal!!!
The Men On The Silver Mountain are still going strong…Enhanced CD features video clip “Prophet of Doom”.
Hex Records/CD-Maximum, 2001/2003 (CDM 0203-1309). Made in Russia. Used: good.


Tracklist:
1. Prophet Of Doom 3:08 
2. Before The Storm 4:37 
3. Felo De Se 3:52 
4. Man Of No Present Existence 4:27 
5. Scarlet Pimpernel 4:15 
6. Maniac 4:02 
7. Axeman And The Virgin 4:36 
8. Breakin' Chains 3:20 
9. Rider Of The Night 2:34 
10. A.S.W.A.S.T. 3:30 
11. The Butterfly 3:51 
12. Dance Around The Fire 5:17 
13. Millattack 3:04 
Total playing time: 51:33