Speak In Whispers - 2025 - Crystalline Structures

(43:16; M&O Music)

Track list:
1. Hollow 3:43
2. Coven 4:38
3. I Am 4:20
4. The Tyrant 5:30
5. Godeater 5:34
6. Asteroid 5:09
7. Valkyrie 5:19
8. Dark Descent 3:53
9. Crystalline Structures 5:10

Line-up:
Andreas Spyrou - vocals
Stefanos Meletiou  - drums
Antonis Koumbari - guitars
Deniel Pavlovskiy - bass, vocals
Andreas Hadjipandelis - guitars, programming


Prolusion.
Cypriot band Speak In Whispers started out back in 2017, and in 2020 they released their initial EP "The Dark Descent". Since then the band have signed to the French label M&O Music, who released their official full length debut album "Crystalline Structures" now in the spring of 2025.

Analysis.
By and large I'd say that this is an album that falls within the parameters of the progressive metal legacy. Not in a traditional manner though, although I do believe I hear some nods towards giants such as Dream Theater along the way here, but rather in more of an alternative manner.

Staccato riff passages and a prevalent use of aggro lead vocals are the perhaps most striking aspects that lies beyond the traditional progressive metal scope here, with both of these adding an alternative feel to the landscapes explored. And in the more intense instances of both, that alternative association will be replaced by more of a distinct hardcore inspired sound and feel for a select few components. Where the aforementioned vocals is the most distinct of these.

But in between this we also get some tasteful instances of quirkly instrument details and pace and momentum being subject to some alterations on a fairly consistent basis, and those who treasure the classic guitar riff and keyboard combination in traditional progressive metal will find plenty of such moments to enjoy throughout here. Much the same is the case for those who have a weak spot with a bit more expressive and atmospheric synthesizer contributions.

The songs themselves are structured in a few different manners too. We do get more guitar riff dominated creations that have a stronger emphasis on establishing a compelling groove for starters, but we also get a liberal amount of arrangements that sports a more classic sounding progressive metal expression, at least in part, and combined with the sometime quirkier instrument details at times too. In addition we get some nice examples of the classic gentler passage surging into a more majestic or powerful surge prior to sliding back to a more careful expression again, as well as the occasional song that is more of a half-and-half split between contrasting features.

The most striking aspect of this band is that they get the balance just right here. The aggression isn't overly aggressive, the gentler parts fit into the context they are a part of, and the songs themselves are compelling affairs with power and melody present while  bombastic tendencies or other more intrusive style and form details are present in a more careful manner that doesn't ever become abrasive.

Conclusion.
If a more compelling variety of an alternative metal and hardcore tinged variety of progressive metal strikes you as an interesting proposition, then Speak In Whispers is a band that should deliver just what you need. Tight, firm and energetic displays with drive and momentum in place, a suitable level of aggression present but also with careful melodic details and some quirky elements being a part of the experience.  

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, April 2025

Links:
https://www.speakinwhispers.com/
https://www.m-o-music.com/