Album Review: Beyond The Black – Break The Silence (Nuclear Blast Records)

German symphonic metal band Beyond The Black return with their sixth studio album, ‘Break the Silence’ on January 9th, 2026, via Nuclear Blast Records.

What do you expect from a Beyond the Black record? Is it big, symphonic-infused sounds that have immense anthemic aspects? Is it potent vocals that touch the soul? Is it theatrics and cinematic aplomb? Chances are, it’s all of this and more, and the good news is that Break the Silence delivers on these expectations. If you’ve been a longtime fan of the band, you won’t be disappointed, whereas a more casual listener may come away unimpressed by the lack of innovation.

I am one of those casual listeners. Having found Beyond the Black to be a good band with plenty of infectious hits, but a band who rarely do anything that stays with me long term. Which is my basic summation of this new album. A well written and well produced crowd-pleasing album that does little to excite me but is undeniably accessible and listenable.

An album I could throw on while doing some housework, and without really realising it, probably find myself moving my body to it. Especially when the band throw out bangers like the dramatic and expressive The Art of Being Alone, a track that features the masters of rock theatrics, Lord of the Lost. It’s an early high point as Jennifer Haben and Chris Harms duet in impressive fashion.

It’s needed too, as the album gets off to a meh start with opener Rising High. A track that fails to excite with its ‘just ok’ riffs and bland chorus. Which is then followed by the repetitive, but accessible anthem that is the title track. Neither are terrible tracks, but neither are worth crowing about either.

What is worth crowing about is the excellent Let There Be Rain which features The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices. I don’t know much about them, aside from the fact that they’re a musical ensemble, but they help make this song special. Which tracks for an album that gets most of its expression from the vocals. Case in point, the potent Ravens, a melodious piece with plenty of emotion.

Now, while I do like the injection of pace that comes from The Flood, those vocal effects can get in the bin. Downright grating.

Forget that though, and focus on the good as the uber-talented Asami of Lovebites joins on the heart-racing and head-banging hit that is Can You Hear Me. A personal favourite and almost matched by the following (La vie est un) Cinéma with its cool synth, but those damn vocal effects crop up briefly at the start and try as I might, I just don’t like them.

Finally, it’s Hologram and Weltschmerz to wrap things up. With the former hitting another anthemic high that gets the blood pumping nicely enough, especially when the guitar solo hits. Whereas the latter perfectly showcases the strength in Beyond the Black’s cinematic side, especially when melody focused. It’s a powerful closing track and a satisfying way to end things.

So, overall? It’s a hit and miss album for me. There are some notably bland tracks that reflect a lack of inspiration, but happily, there are plenty that slay too. If you’re a big fan of the band, then you may come away more pleased with the record then I did.

Beyond The Black – Break The Silence Track Listing:

1. Rising High
2. Break The Silence
3. The Art Of Being Alone (Feat. Lord Of The Lost)
4. Let There Be Rain (Feat. The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices)
5. Ravens
6. The Flood
7. Can You Hear Me (Feat. Asami from Lovebites)
8. (La vie est un) Cinéma
9. Hologram
10. Weltschmerz

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