Track listing: Carvings, The Angel on My Shoulder, We Are Alone, Ashes of My Mind, Shattered Hopes, The Everlasting Wounds, The Visions of the Forsaken, Re-Silence (Part III)

The Silence That Binds Us is a powerful comeback album for the Dubai, UAE group Falling Leaves. The group has made a return to the scene after more than a decade, re-emerging from their desert shadow to carry on their mission of "carving out a distinctive niche within the melodic death doom metal genre." With its stellar production, powerful line-up, and massive sound, they seem to have achieved their goal. 

Despite the album's name, it is far from silent. Kicking off with "Carvings," lead singer Bashar Haroun's guttural growls scream from the depths of the song's methodic, foreboding mood. The entire record embodies an ominous tone but also spotlights powerful performances by dual guitarists Ala’a Swalha and Fadi Stanboulieh, and bassist Ali M. Featured guest musicians include Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) on vocals, phenomenal drumming from Fabio Alessandrini (Bonfire, Annihilator), and Buenos Aires session keyboardist Ariel Perchuk.

Lyricist Murad Juneydi has written a tome filled with despair, devoid of hope--a musical reminder that we are alone in the universe. His words help to bring a visceral, human element to the band's ultra-heavy soundtrack. Even when the mood and tempo pick up on tracks like "Shattered Hope," you come away knowing that, yes, all hope has indeed been shattered.

The record concludes with the only sub-6-minute song (clocking in at a mere 5:40), "Re-Silence (Part III)." A deathly ballad, it is. Emotion flows freely in this one, culminating in a soaring and gorgeous guitar solo. The performances throughout maintain an impressive level of musicality. From composition to arrangement, Falling Leaves set out to make a momentous return...and they have! Check out their music, both new and old, at falling-leaves.com.