Customer Reviews

Twice Second

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

2004's Twice Second is the fourth album from German power metal band Symphorce, a band put together by Brainstorm vocalist Andy Franck that sounds, well, exactly like Brainstorm. I never really paid much attention to this band (their ridiculous name had a lot to do with that) until I saw them live at a ProgPower USA festival. After that I knew I had to give their albums another chance.

Twice Second is a very solid, hard-hitting melodic power metal album. Unlike the average Helloween-type German power metal band, Symphorce is actually heavy, recalling Judas Priest and Armored Saint at times. For all the melodies and hooks, it's the crushing rhythms that set the tone for the album. Well, that and Franck's voice of course. He has a titanic voice that brings a great deal of power and range to these songs. The only real downside (and it's not that bad if you like Brainstorm) is that these could all be Brainstorm songs. There really isn't anything other than a heavier edge that sets this band apart from Brainstorm.

If you're a fan of heavy melodic power metal along the lines of Tad Morose, Morgana Lefay and especially Brainstorm, Symphorce is well worth checking out, and Twice Second is as good an album as any to start with.

Edition Notes: The European version of Twice Second comes in a digipack and includes a "making of" multimedia track. It also boasts a bonus track called "Under the Curse," but that song is also on the US version I own.

Amazing German band! I've read a lot of reviews that classify them as power metal, even though they have lots of power elements there is also many forms mixed in there...which is what makes them so great!Progressive, trash, speed...only to name a few as they are heavily influenced by many classics. In this day and age where nu-metal is so popular and so boringly predictable...and they all sound the same!(yawn) these guys are a breath of fresh air in the metal front! A must for any metal fan who enjoys heavy melodic riffs and outstanding soaring vocals...the previous albums are amazing as well! If you want to get to know them get Twice Second and Phorcefull Ahead....their 2 latests..you will not be dissapointed! Cheers metalheads \m/

This has got to be among the best albums I own. Symphorce have truly created a masterpiece in Twice Second that sounds modern and very fresh and they establish themselves in the elite of metal bands.
Symphorce play a sort of power/thrash metal in vein of Brainstorm, Nevermore, and a hint of old Megadeth. Instead of copying silly happy power metal bands with all of the usual cliches Symphorce employs there own personal sound based on creative heavy riffs, modern sensibilities, and catchy masterful songwriting.
Cede and Marcus write some incredible riffs (Nevermore style) and jaw dropping leads, while the rhythm section is heavy and crushing. Andy is simply one of the best vocalists in metal period.
This album is a must have for fans of Brainstorm, Nevermore, Evergrey, Angel Dust, and Tad Morose. Symphorce has set the bar high and I wonder if even they will be able to top it. Buy it and be reminded why you are a metal fan!

This is the first Symphorce album I've gotten, and I will definitely be getting more in the future. The songs on Twice Second are heavy with a modern sound, but melodic and intelligent as well. Andy Franck is an awesome vocalist, sounding like James Hetfield at some times and Bruce Dickinson at others. The lyrics are great (and according to Franck they're 100% original on this album.) There's not too many insane guitar solos or anything but the songwriting is the focus. The choruses will be stuck in your head for a long time. The keyboards are used sparingly but at all the right times. I'd like to hear more of them, though! Highlights: Fallen, Whatever Hate Provides, Face of Pain, Searching, Cry on My Shoulder. You can go over to symphorce.net and download "Tears," which is also a pretty good song, and see what you think.

symphorces album become death blew me away,so I had to try some more.This album is not as epic as become death but is still avery good inturpitation of what the band is and does so well.Anthemic hard &metal.Give em a try.

I'm a HUGE Symphorce fan, but to be honest I just can't get into this CD to save my life! I tried to listen to it many times & it just doesn't click with me...the problem?? They tried too hard to make the perfect yet intricate album & as a result the album just sounded overproduced with no feeling. After the very first good Symphorce album the band tried to find their own sound with each & every release, but here with 'Twice Second' their 4th album, the band hits another slump like with their 2nd CD 'Sinctuary.' If you want power metal mastery from this band, pick up their debut 'Truth to Promises,' their 3rd CD 'Phorceful Ahead,' their 5th CD & so far their BEST 'Godspeed' & their newest offering 'Become Death.'

well once again symphorce has stepped up to the plate and kickdass this cd is awesome i listen to it every day.symphorce reminds me of angel dust and a little bit of savatage becasue the singer sounds a little like him and thats very rare to hear that.

Another great record by the power metal act. This album is even better than the last one. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes power metal this is a great record.

I picked this up after hearing Brainstorm's masterpiece "Soul Temptation" a few eeks ago. I loved that release, and was excited to hear what Symphorce had to offer considering it's the same vocalist...

This is straight up Heavy Metal, and it's very solid from start to finish. These guys know how to crank out some great Metal...

The sound is very similar to that of Nevermore. It's imprssive, and I highly suggest you give them a listen. Check out Brainstorm as well. "Soul Temptation" is a neck breaker!!!

yes it is yet another band that wastes the beauty of a 7 string. Poppy sounding, radio friendly CRAP that gets very old very fast. cool album art though. Travis Smith is a genius.