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I remember the first time I saw Silent Knight play live in 2014 – I was blown away by the fact that Perth had such a legitimate Power Metal band on the local scene. The vocals, drums and ‘fret board gymnastics’ displayed by Cameron Nicholas were particularly impressive. That night I purchased a copy of their debut album Masterplan shortly after they finished their set and cranked it on the way home. It’s an impressive independent debut for sure, but to be honest I was a little underwhelmed – it was good, but it didn’t sound as tight or as polished as the band that I had just seen live. After doing a little bit of digging it became apparent that the band had recently found a new vocalist and were playing with a new drummer too – no doubt these changes had contributed significantly to the step up in sound that I had noticed.

Since their debut Silent Knight have released a couple of EP’s and a another full length entitled Conquer and Command. All of these subsequent releases have benefited considerably from the vocals of Jesse Onur Oz and a more modern sounding, polished production level. Despite Masterplan (2013) being a little ‘rough around the edges’ the songs themselves really do stack up against their other work and continue to be amongst the bands most requested material to play live. With all of that said, and as a fan myself, I was happy to hear that the band were undertaking a full re-recording of Masterplan.

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I wont beat around the bush – the re-recording, The Masterplan, sounds exceptional and vindicates the bands decision to undertake the painstaking process of re-doing an entire album. In putting my thoughts to paper it becomes crystal clear how consistent this album really is. Hearing the songs re-recorded with Jesse’s vocals and a higher level production drives home the fact that there really isn’t a single weak track on this disk. Masterplan, Pay Your Dues, Prophets Of War & When the Fallen Angel Flies are probably my favourites, but the margin between my favourite and least favourite tracks is now close to negligible. Each song is well written, well played and just enjoyable to listen to.

I could go on an on about Cameron Nicholas’ lead guitar playing. He has a tone and style which is easily recognizable. I have no doubt that as Silent Knight’s stocks continue to rise, so too will he continue to gain more and more recognition in guitar circles around Australia and beyond. He plays lightning fast licks and can sweep like the best of them but he’s far more than a mindless shredder – I respect the way he crafts his solos and leads. The main solo in Pay your Dues is a perfect example the way he creates memorable, melodic solos which have a lasting impression. Jesse’s vocals are the obvious other focal point for me. He delivers his parts in a clear and powerful manner. All great power metal bands have great vocalists and from that regard he really does elevate Silent Knight’s sound. Hearing him on the re-recorded version of this album puts this notion beyond doubt. Masterplan (without Jesse) was a very good independent debut, The Masterplan (with Jesse) is a bona fide Power-Metal-must-have!

Beyond the re-recording the new-release also has re-worked album artwork. Whilst the original album artwork was particularly well thought out (with each element on the cover having a deliberate, symbolic meaning) it pales in comparison to the new artwork for overall impact. Artwork is a minor aspect in the context of this review though, because the music is the main attraction here.

I am actually a little surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed listening to the re-recorded album – although I was expecting an improvement the end result is exponentially more powerful. The Masterplan re-recording sees the songs captured to tape as they were no doubt originally intended. A must have for all fans of the band and strongly recommended for all fans of Power Metal.

Silent Knight’s release date for this rerecording is well timed to say the least. The band are a matter of weeks away form heading overseas to play a select number of shows through Germany including the Headbangers Open Air Festival. With their highly impressive re-recorded version of The Masterplan sitting alongside the material on Conquer and Command they now have two quality full length albums to take with them which reflect exactly what the band has to offer in 2017. Germany is Mecca for Power Metal so I have little doubt that these releases and their accompanying live show will ‘show all the non believers’ go down a treat.

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AMNPLIFY – DB