I have listened over and over again to the upcoming release from VOICES OF EXTREME titled “Break The Silence” and if you look at the musicianship these guys could be considered something of a supergroup. With Don Chaffin leading the vocal charge, you also have a master drummer in John Macaluso (TNT, ARK, and Yngwie Malmsteen), Rob Katrikh, a guitar GOD, and I can personally attest to that from his days in UNTIL DESTINY and even DORO, on the keys Mike Khalilov who blew me away on the REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE CD with Timo Tokki and finally Bob Brennan adding the bass thunder who is a childhood friend of Chaffin’s. Not only do they posses the musicianship but these guys have been noticed by top industry peers like Nicko McBrain (IRON MAIDEN) and David Swales (Affinity Management) who co-manages the band.

V.O.X. debuted in 2005 with "Hypocrite", which was produced by former ANTHRAX guitarist Danny Spitz. Now flash ahead to 2010 and the new offering “Break The Silence” will hit in early August with expectations at a high level.

The opening track “Damned” is phenomenal Don Chaffin does an amazing job hitting the high notes while soft spoken during the verse. Once the chorus hits explosions of ecstasy send shivers down your spine. Guitar-wise you couldn’t ask for better with the slicing licks of pleasure that could only be induced by a Master.

Up next one of my favorite tunes “Tell Me What It Takes”; a true melodic dream in the vein of early BON JOVI. Chaffin is a demigod that should reach heights that many can’t touch. This one’s a winner!

“Apocalypse” kind of has an Ozzy feel; its full power in the essences of “No More Tears”. It’s a hard-edged tune with Johnny Mac bashing the shit out of the skins. Lyrically it’s very catchy; another outstanding track.

The title track “Break the Silence” highlights Khalilov masterful keys and I love the down-tuning of the guitars which gives the track depth and once the guitar solo comes in it's special. Once again the rolling drums of Johnny Mac are amazing.

Maybe working with Dan Spitz influenced the track “Did It Again”. With its harder-edged guitar tone and some hard rap background vocals, I’m not going to tell you this was one of my favorite tracks.

The next track “Hallow” would fit into the new Ray West mold but I feel it’s out of place with V.O.X plus it features a bit more rapping. The guitar is still kickin’ which holds the song together.

Now here you go; “Made of Stone” is an epic track that rises above the norm. Some fancy guitar work by Rob Katrikh that you will drool over. Check the acoustics also; better keep an eye on Katrikh, this guy is explosive.

“Blown Away” has a flare of DISTURBED and much heavier vocals but I kind of like it. Another killer track ends the disc is “Sorry”; a massive sound that pummels your senses.

“Break The Silence” has some great tunes and some over the top. Overall this is pretty close to perfection minus one or two tracks. Chaffin’s vocals should set fire to the music world as well as Katrikh’s guitar playing. Macaluso doesn’t need any talking up, because many know he's one of the top drummers in the world.

Now it’s up to you to decide. I give the horns up on “Break The Silence”! Now pick up this gem…