The concept of evolution is exciting, enlightening, but also quite frightening. Too often, we fear the unknown and resist evolution out of concern that we might lose ourselves, but it need not be such an agonizing experience. In a world where it seems matters are evolving at a breakneck pace, yes, it can all be overwhelming, and some aspects of it can and should be resisted, but this does not mean we should stand completely idle.
A thought to ponder for us all, in terms of Germany’s Beyond the Black, the band has been in a state of evolution since it began in 2014. Formed out of Lead Vocalist Jennifer Haben’s desire to create in a place less Pop than her former group Saphir, and more Heavy Rock, Beyond the Black are primarily considered a Symphonic Metal band to the international world. One which emphasizes melodic Heavy Metal guitars with large drums and dramatic arrangements, there are also darker elements amidst their sound, exemplified by their use of piano/keyboards and Haben’s emotional, extensive vocal range.
Constantly yearning to grow, they have shown on each of their albums, starting with 2015’s Songs of Love and Death and continuing through 2023’s Beyond the Black, that they will make no two records that sound the same. Early on, they had a significant Classical influence, then they moved into a more Modern Metal aesthetic, before later migrating between the two. However, in 2026, the band returned with perhaps their most dynamic and compelling record to date, entitled Break the Silence.
Their second consecutive album through Nuclear Blast, Break the Silence, arrives on January 9, 2026, digitally, as a CD Digipak or standard CD, but also as a limited-edition gold-colored vinyl. Giving you options, what is their sixth album will also be supported by a headlining Rising High European Tour set to begin in Manchester, UK, on January 15, 2026. Very exciting, Break the Silence features the consistent lineup of Haben, Lead Guitarist Chris Hermsdörfer, Rhythm Guitarist Tobi Lodes, and Drummer Kai Tschierschky with primary production by long-time collaborators Hartmut “Hardy” Krech and Mark Nissen.
Keeping the creative force stable, what is different with Break the Silence is the rather heavy-handed boundary-pushing experimentation across the bulk of the 10 tracks. What is said to be a concept album, Beyond the Black has felt the strain of the modern world, the division between us, and the overall lack of human connection we are all experiencing. It is a sad time, filled with frustration, anger, and unknowns, but Break the Silence is a collective piece aimed at tackling these feelings. Seeking to connect on a personal level, the album drives home the need for interpersonal communication between us, for resilience in the face of adversity, and, hopefully, for stronger bonds so that we are not as tattered and torn as we seem.
A good approach to have, especially when you cannot escape the bombardment of negativity through social media news feeds (immediately followed by comment sections that seem to lack any human empathy), Break the Silence is a flow of rejuvenated positive energy. As mentioned, perhaps their most experimental music ever, they called on various collaborators to make the eclectic sound possible, including Chris Harms of Lord of the Lost, Asami from Japan’s Lovebites, and the female vocal choir The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices.
Amply noticeable, the album has many bold moments. Still, perhaps the most dynamic come from “Rising High” (the lead single and album opener with highly unique backing vocals from Chris Hermsdörfer), the intense title track, the haunting “The Art of Being Alone” (with Chris Harm), and the impossible to ignore “Let There Be Rain (with The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices). Joining these, you have the beautiful ballad “Ravens,” the very Electronic Metal hybrid “The Flood,” and the sorrowful closer “Weltschmerz,” which really gives you all sides of Haben’s voice.
Altogether, Beyond the Black rises a level higher with Break the Silence. Never dull, multi-layered, and multi-dimensional, it is an album that will impress you right out of the gate. Embracing their evolution and inviting you to unity with them, Cryptic Rock gives Beyond the Black’s Break the Silence 5 out of 5 stars.
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