Review by Adam M on August 1, 2011.

A Gothic atmosphere is created effectively by Silentium. The band has a female vocalist and performs emotionally driven songs, but without the cheesy generic style that might be associated with this type of moments.

Several worthwhile hooks and moods are crafted by this band throughout the course of "Amortean". Songs like 'A Knife In The Back' pull one in with the emotional performance of the outfit. The songs aren’t outright stunning, but moving enough to have enough of an impact upon the listener. This act isn’t able to elevate their level to the same level as the peak of Katatonia and The Gathering, however. The songs simply don’t have quite enough ingenious moments, despite containing quality symphonic portions at times. That’s not to say there aren’t portions that have an emotional impact, but there could be more of them and they could be more effective. In terms creating a gothic atmosphere, Silentium are certainly above average. The morose, tender moods that are crafted are helped by the likes of piano to pull on the emotional heart strings of the listener. The consistency of the album is solid throughout, though there are moments that are dull at times as well. The musical performances are also standard fare, but competently performed.

On the whole, "Amortean" is an enjoyable atmospheric listen that will appeal to metal fans of Anathema, Katatonia and The Gathering amongst many others. Fans of metal bands with a female vocalist that are looking for something different might also have reason to rejoice with this album.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7.5
Originality: 7
Overall: 7.5

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Adam on March 3, 2002.

For years Stuck Mojo have been a major driving force within America’s underground hard rock/metal scene. With Declaration of a Headhunter, they take their greatest aim at mainstream success while still staying true to their hard-hitting sound. The result is Stuck Mojo‘s catchiest material to date! Being the band’s final release, it is also a testament to their many years of struggling and hard work.

The album’s music and lyrics were written completely by guitarist/vocalist Rich Ward. His lyrics are politically charged and thought provoking while his music is extremely stylish and original. Stuck Mojo have always featured various vocal styles on their albums. This one has the least amount of hip hop oriented vocals, which many metal fans have criticized in the past. This time around there is a greater emphasis on the soulful and melodic clean vocals of new bassist Dan Dryden. These vocals really help to enhance the incredibly melodic yet punchy guitar licks. Many of the dual guitar harmonies sound like they could have easily been placed on any melodic death metal cd.

The song structures are pretty similar to past efforts, yet the rapping verses have been trimmed down, leaving less room for lead vocalist Bonz. Those doubting the band’s credibility as true and talented musicians will be shut up once and for all with the amazing instrumental track The Ward Is My Shephard.

One of the greatest things about this disc is the quality of the actual music and production. The sound eminence is very sharp and the production is flawlessly handled by Andy Sneap. This is clearly the band’s most focused and mature album and a fine one to leave behind as the last hurrah. It brings together everything Stuck Mojo stood for in the past while injecting the most catchiest hooks the band has ever recorded. Never before has a rap/metal release come along and not become so blunt and ridiculous that you want to just puke it up. This is genuine hard rock/metal music well deserving of your hard earned money.

Bottom Line: If you like catchy hard rock/heavy metal music full of energy and soul, then this is for you!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 8
Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 10
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10