S.I.N.
The 13th Apostle Musicbuymail/Artist Service

by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer

Comments: The third album from Norwegian / German melodic metal outfit S.I.N. is one that is pretentious and exceptional. The 13th Apostle is a fictive story countering the biblical controversy towards the Apocrypha by telling the story of Julian’s struggle and betrayal to become Jesus’ 13th follower. With Jesus denying his abilities, Julian decides to set a trap leading to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas’ kiss.

The concept album is tightly woven together in structure. All songs swiftly and smoothly following each other with hardly any interludes. Small fragments of storytelling are shedding a light upon the story as it evolved and lead you into the next chapters. Musicwise S.I.N. has achieved the unthinkable. Even though the band’s previous two albums were cheered and raved upon by many critics and fans, they didn’t manage to keep me focused the entire spin. The 13th Apostle was a cosmic turnaround in that matter. It's gripping and once you start it simply is a fun ride of musical extravagance.

The guitar work on this record is absolutely brilliant with Deddy Andler and Wolfgang Frank firing away some awesome riffs and hooks, as well as delivering some top notch twin guitar work and razor sharp soloing. Newly acquired Patrick Simonsen (ex-Hush) is showcasing his skills and his wide range simply adds up to the overall sound of the band. Choruses and choirs are large and sticky, over warm and well constructed melodies and song structures, upheld fiery by powerful drum and bass work from the rhythm section by Alex Hlousek and Jan Ebert. The addition of Carsten Schulz (ex-Domain, Evidence One), Renne Walker, Connie Andreszka (Cabal, Crystal Ball) and Boban Milojevic (Wicked Sensation) enable the band to magnify the story through great role playing. Without becoming a next hard to devour concept record S.I.N. managed to keep it all enjoyable and easy to follow.

Easier to follow than the average Ayreon CD and little less sophisticated than Operation: Mindcrime. Straight forward hard rocking melodic rock / metal with some great tunes for the fans like the amazing “Chosen are Few”, “In your Darkest Hour” and “Tears of Gethsemane”. Now nothing to complain? Well, in fact there is something to dig into … The lyrics are pretty simple thanks to the band being non native speakers. This is something they might have considered with the lyrics and plot being one of the album's most compelling factors. With bringing in the expertise of an outside writer in the person of Ana Kugli, they should have considered to let the lyrics and story be reviewed by a Brit or an American. This would have likely let to a smarter use of words which now at times come off pretty predictable downgrading the overall high level of quality.

The 13th Apostle is by far the band’s best work. Being captivating and well constructed as well as excellently performed, S.I.N. aimed high and managed to hit bull’s-eye. Put aside the mentioned lyrical simplicity and you have a top notch melodic rock record.

Musicians:
Steven Rathbone - Guitar, Vocals
Donald James Barraca - Bass
Chris Wozniak - Drums

Track Listing:
1. Prelude
2. Signs Of Doubt
3. Awakening
4. Junia's Eyes
5. Chosen Are Few
6. In Your Darkest Hour
7. The Faithful Offer
8. Sealed With A Kiss
9. Tears Of Gethsemane
10. Failure
11. For Eternity And Beyond
12. The 13th Apostle
13. Circuit
14. Are We Still One (Bonus Track)

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.8/10