Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar

Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar is a fulfilling instrumental work on which Paul Gilbert, while firmly foregrounding his outstanding transcendent technique, carefully pursues wholly different melody and varied textures in each song. A record on the all-instrumental direction following the previous Get Out of My Yard. Fast piling phrases, too, deftly connect to memorable riffs and singable themes, by no means ending as mere technical showcases. From the dramatic development of the opening title track “Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar” and the grandeur of “Eudaimonia Overture” to the power of “The Rhino,” the songs give off vivid expression even without words, while the humor of “Norwegian Cowbell” and a cut like “The Gargoyle” convey the work’s fullness. Rock, pop and a fusion sense move freely, and the guitar tone itself richly carries truly many emotions. A truly Paul Gilbert-like record on which outstanding playing’s vivid technique and excellent composition’s rich playfulness are splendidly balanced. Precisely because there is no singing, you can fully enjoy his overwhelming expression as a guitarist. Boasting high polish as an instrumental-guitar work, it is a powerful, engaging, fulfilling work — a record concentrating the appeal of the guitar.