Godspeed

Symphorce | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 6, 2005)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Metal Blade
• ASIN: B000AMJDPG
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,083 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

When vocalist Andy B. Franck formed SYMPHORCE in October 1998 to write straight and energetic metal songs, no one would have guessed what a hard, albeit successful, road the band had ahead of itself. Following their last strike "Twice Second", SYMPHORCE present what is to be a real milestone of rock and metal in 2005: "GodSpeed"!

Already with their debut "Truth To Promises" (1999 - Noise Records) Andy and his band delivered a strong piece of work which immediately gained the band a lot of attention and fantastic reviews. After a tour supporting MERCYFUL FATE, a change in the line-up turned out to be a fluke: enter guitarist Cédric "Cede" Dupont (ex-FREEDOM CALL) and bassist Dennis Wohlbold, who to this day conform a real power metal songwriting machine along with Andy. A year later "Sinctuary" (2000 - Noise Rec.) was released to enthusiastic reactions by press and fans alike. At the same time, Andy became the singer in one of Germany's main metal exports, BRAINSTORM, giving him a double responsibility which he has easily mastered.

After the release of "Truth To Promises" and "Sinctuary", the puzzle was completed by Sascha Sauer on drums and second guitarist Markus Pohl. "Finally!" comments Andy. "From our very first rehearsal we could feel that this band works! No one had expected this amount of energy! Incredible!"

Now working with Metal Blade as their new partner, SYMPHORCE recorded their following two albums, "phorcefulAhead" (2002) and "Twice Second" (2004) at the House of Music Studios with Achim Köhler (PRIMAL FEAR, BRAINSTORM, etc.) producing. "Energetic", "modern", "with real bite" are just some of the descriptions that the worldwide press gave the band. Through tours supporting the likes of KAMELOT and GRAVE DIGGER, as well as several festival shows (Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, Sweden Rock, among others), SYMPHORCE established themselves as a first-class international live act.

Despite the difficulty of following up the press' and fans' favorite "Twice Second", SYMPHORCE delivered once again. No matter if true "phorceheads" or the last few skeptics, everybody has got to agree on the fact that "GodSpeed" is the band's strongest work to date and elevates the band to a household name in the music world. Working with producer Dennis Ward (ANGRA, PINK CREAM 69) at the House of Music Studios, the band has created a modern yet timeless album, which will appeal to every fan of heavy music, far beyond the confines of so called power metal.

Unsurprisingly, SYMPHORCE are close to making the first step to conquer America. Later in the year the band will tour Europe extensively, securing a ticket to the Champions' League of Metal.

GODSPEED - what a godsend!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Symphorce: Full speed ahead with Godspeed., September 21, 2005

By 

Clifford Newsted "Old School NW Chapter" (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Godspeed (Audio CD)

Symphorce-Godspeed
5
By: Clifford Newsted

I discovered Symphorce about two years ago; it was the recommendation of a friend. At the time Symphorce had released their last record entitled Twice Second. I wasn't too keen on the band. I couldn't hear anything that they were doing that stood apart from the pack. When they released Godspeed I was a little weary of taking the gamble again. The difference between Godspeed and the last record is like night and day. I was floored; I had to pop the disc out to see that it was the same band. In fact, it was and they have returned with their strongest material to date. They are just where they should be, they have progressed. They have perfected their sound, and rather than sounding like many bands they sound unique and like nothing I have heard before. They blend progressive metal, traditional metal, thrash metal riffs, I also hear some Disturbedisms happening on guitar, and traditional power metal. There's stuff on this record for everyone, the production is superb, strong songs, catchy choruses, and great vocals, off the hook musicianship. Godspeed could be a hits record by it's self, my favorite tracks on the album are "No Shelter," "Nowhere," "Haunting," "Without a Trace," and "The Mirrored Room." I have to add that the first three tracks on Godspeed set the tone, they followed the formula of all classic albums, and they put three strong tracks at the beginning. I also might add that "Nowhere" has this guitar intro that is very reminiscent of Metallica's "Sanitarium(Welcome Home)," which I find truly fascinating! Symphorce will chart in your top 10 of 2005, just give them a spin.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ANdy B is a new age metal icon., September 14, 2005

By 

K. Ann Nagel "Luke Oblivion Warrior" (LocustGrove, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Godspeed (Audio CD)

And very underrated. I rank this just right behind Brainstorms Liquid Monster. That album is still my album of the year and Ive bought 30 more records since that one. Well this is a close second. This is definetely a mix of power/thrash and yes Nu metal , but damn it it isnt some of the best Nu metal youll here. Its a little more straight a head compared to Nevermore , not as technical. Every song has something catchy or memorable about it. Some songs lead right into another but all sound totally different. Sascha's drumming is spot on and sharp as a razor. Some songs he does what he needs to help to song and others whod think he was the main guy in the band. Bass rumblings are quite audible, guitars are killer and the production beats the hell outta twice second. If only Serenity and Fallen were on this disk, itd be a 10 star a affair for me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Symphorce is way underated!!, September 12, 2005

By 

MetalMarc (Grand Rapids, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Godspeed (Audio CD)

Symphorce once again delivers the goods with 'Godspeed!' Ultra heavy and crushing riffs, blazing solos, a tight pounding ryhthm section, and top notch melodic vocal melodies by Andy Frank pretty much sums up what this very underated band has delivered consistently the past 3 albums.

Symphorece's music can best be described as a mix between Brainstorm and Nevermore with just a hint of Nu-Metal elements (not in a bad way like most nu-metal). Their music will appeal to fans of those bands as well as Tad Morose or Angel Dust.

On to the album, there is no need to break down each song as almost every song is great after repeated listenings although the first 3 cuts are probaly the best. I will say the production on this album is much improved over 'Twice Second' also. If you liked their last 2 efforts knowbody will disappointed with 'Godspeed' as Symphorce continue to expand on the sound they have developed for themselves.

On an unfortunate note I see some of their previous album ratings have dipped on amazon because of some bitter 'Pain of Salvation' fans. I am not going to explain the whole story but many of their fans have intentionly ripped and brought down the scores of some previous Symphorce albums out of anger and bitterness. All that I can say is that Andy is a good guy that made a mistake with a few lyrics and owned up to it. Come on 'POS' fan, show a little more class?

In conclusion, 'Godspeed' is definately a top 5 album of 2005! No surprise that the new Nevermore(TGE) and Brainstorm (Liquid Monster) are also on that list as well. 'Godspeed' is a must have for anyone who likes their metal heavy, modern, yet still melodic!