Beyond the Black - Break the Silence (2026)

Continuing the rise in the Symphonic Metal/Rock scene, today we have Germany’s Beyond the Black with their sixth full-length release “Break the Silence”. Masterfully fronted by the charismatic and talented Jennifer Haben, this outfit moves one step closer to transitioning from traditional Symphonic Metal, to the more radio friendly and Within Temptation-esque Symphonic Rock/Alternative Metal territories. While this release is still pretty solid, the band’s shift is more evident than ever.

Opening with the bombastic “Rising High”, the band sets a very dynamic and playful atmosphere that, at least for now, keeps things heavy thanks to powerful guitar riffs/leads and crafty drumming. Things get a bit more catchy and engaging with the dreamy “Break The Silence" showcasing the band’s heavier side. Things shift a bit into the Gothic Rock realm with “The Art of Being Alone”, a collaboration featuring Chris Harms of Lord of the Lost. This track is pretty engaging and explosive, but a slight shift is felt, especially coming after two very engaging opening tracks.

Things start getting weird with “Let There Be Rain”, a track that features The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices in a gimmicky way, creating an odd, but still catchy track. The other collaboration in this release that shifts the scales is “Can You Hear Me”, featuring Asami from Lovebites. Don’t get us wrong, the song is cool and the collaboration is engaging, but has a more relaxed and non-Symphonic Metal vibe, and rather a certain Kawaii Metal edge.

The release also features other tracks that are a bit all over the place, like the ballad-esque “Ravens”, which breaks the continuity of the release in an odd way, particularly as “The Flood” is one of the most explosive tracks in this release, even overcoming the awful robotic vocals. Giving us an Amaranthe-esque vibe, “Hologram” is another piece that is interesting but oddly placed. As a whole, “Break the Silence” has some pretty interesting ideas and the band showcases talent, however, it feels a bit all over the place and obscures the band’s ability to embrace and identity and stick with it.

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Release: January 9th, 2026

Genre: Symphonic Rock/Alternative Metal

Country: Germany