Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar
Paul Gilbert · 2008
42 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant fusion of hard rock with playful melodies and intricate guitar work, showcasing both technical prowess and whimsy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Eudaimonia Overture — This track serves as an impressive opener, introducing listeners to Gilbert's signature guitar style while melding classical influences with hard rock energy.
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Norwegian Cowbell — Its catchy hooks and playful title showcase Gilbert's ability to combine humor with musicianship, making it a standout example of his creative range.
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Paul Vs. Godzilla — The climactic closing track blends heavy riffs with intricate solos, perfectly encapsulating Gilbert's technical skill and thematic storytelling throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate guitar work with accessible melodies, balancing technicality and playfulness.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a dynamic shift from soft melodies to aggressive guitar riffs, setting a playful yet intense tone.
- The instrumental 'Eudaimonia Overture' serves as an interlude, contrasting with the more vocal-driven tracks and adding variety to the album's structure.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout
- playful melodies for light moods
- instrumental focus for concentration
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeks deep lyrical narratives
- prefers high-energy fast tempos
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2008, Paul Gilbert was already a respected figure in the rock guitar community, known for his work with Racer X and Mr. Big. 'Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar' marked his transition into a more solo-focused career, showcasing his unique blend of virtuosity and humor following his previous album, 'Get Out of My Yard' in 2006.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Satriani· Steve Vai· Yngwie Malmsteen
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Cannot Tell a Lie
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to an imaginative tale about honesty, cleverly intertwining lightheartedness with introspective themes.
This structure allows for a whimsical exploration of truth while maintaining an engaging lyrical flow that contrasts with heavier musical elements.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Silence Followed by a Deafening Roar 3:48
- 2 Eudaimonia Overture 4:35
- 3 The Rhino 2:46
- 4 Norwegian Cowbell 4:06
- 5 I Cannot Tell a Lie 3:50
- 6 Bronx 1971 4:04
- 7 Suite Modale 2:38
- 8 The Gargoyle 4:35
- 9 I Still Have That Other Girl 2:52
- 10 Bultaco Saturno 4:13
- 11 Paul Vs. Godzilla 4:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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