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• Produced by Dino Elefante and George Ochoa
• Features Michael Drive (Formerly Mike Lee Barren Cross) George Rene Ochoa (Deliverance, Recon, World View) Terry Russell (Holy Soldier).
  
• Style: Hard Rock / Melodic Metal
• Product: Standard jewel case CD with 12 page booklet
  
• Label: 2024 Girder Records GR1199
• UPC:  765105160164

DESCRIPTION

Rarely does a band come along that seems to have it all—the look, the music, the chops, fan support, and the production. This band has the "it" factor. Introducing Human Code. Produced by Dino Elefante, whose illustrious career spans over 300 records with rock icons like Kansas, Petra, Mastedon, John Elefante, and Guardian, as well as George Ochoa (Recon, Woldview, Deliverance).  Human Code's debut album Break The Silence is a hard hitting rock album with Melodic metal influences and a supergroup of  seasoned veterans. Michael (Lee) Drive, former lead vocalist of Barren Cross, lends his powerful voice to the band, while George Ochoa, a virtuoso guitarist and keyboardist known for his work with Deliverance, Recon, Worldview, and Vengeance, brings his rich musical experience to the table. Drummer Terry Russell, previously of Word recording artist Holy Soldier, adds his dynamic rhythms, and Todd Libby, a skilled bassist and keyboardist who has graced stages with Recon and Worldview, completes the lineup. This 10-track powerhouse of an album delivers hard-hitting, face-melting rock that transcends the typical 80s metal revival. It's heavy both musically and lyrically. "When Dino told us that it was one of the best things he's heard in 20 years, I was skeptical," admitted Greg at Girder Records. "But wow, was he 100% accurate in his assessment." Tracks like "Socially Incorrect" and the title track "Break The Silence" are poised to become timeless anthems. The best bands have staying power, and their songs endure. Trust us when we say, "This album exceeds all expectations." With seasoned professionals who have perfected their craft, this collection of rock anthems, combined with an unparalleled stage presence, is second to none.

TRACKS

1. Break the silence (3:30)
2. Say what you mean (3:56)
3. Rain (5:10)
4. Genetic Dysfunction (5:21)
5. Don’t kill the messenger (4:29)
6. Evermore (5:32)
7. 40 Seconds (6:11)
8. Socially incorrect (4:45)
9. Blame me (4:49)
10. Lying whispers (4:33)

CREDITS

All Songs Written by HUMAN CODE
Produced and Mixed by Dino Elefante and George Rene Ochoa

Michael Drive - Lead Vocals
George Rene Ochoa - Guitars, Keyboards
Terry "The Animal" Russell - Drums
Todd Libby - Bass, Keyboards

Additional Musicians:
Dino Elefante - Background Vocals on "Break The Silence" and Rhythm Guitar on "Blame Me" | Ronson Webster - Background Vocals
Jimmy P. Brown Il - Background Vocals

Additional Credits:
Mastered by Brian Anthony
Front Cover Design - Robert Wilson & Michael Drive
Michael Drive - Album Artwork Design & Human Code Official Website

* ** REVIEW BY JONATHAN SWANK (HEAVEN METAL) * * 

Nature Abhors a Vacuum…

And what is universally true in the universe is industriously true in the music industry. At some point, when no one is paying attention, while accolades and addictions are being lauded over one style or artist or band’s music, someone or some “group of ones” steps in to fill that “void” with something else, something missing and often something with value … something long forgotten. (Break the Silence)

Melodic Rock?

What happened to melodic rock? Back when radio was all the rage, when cassettes spooled through car decks and boom boxes in the predigital era, when portable analog was a novelty and the medium of choice for upcoming bands to get their “demos” into the hands of potential labels, music journalists and, most importantly, fans hands and ears. Back then, melody – as well as accessibility to the masses – mattered big time – big hooks, grooves and distinctive, identifiable vocals with clear and easily discernable lyrics.

The 80’s exemplified the era of melodic rock and metal – every artist/band striving for their own distinctive style and sound – a way to distinguish themselves from the masses of competition. To this day, that era of music remains unrivalled in the sheer volume of artists/bands that were able to push their music to the forefront of the commercial radio world of accessibility and popularity. What can be said about this – our brains crave melody over rhythm? Or perhaps the perfect balance between the two…

Christian Heavy Music Explosion

Significantly, it was during this golden era of AOR, hard rock and melodic/power metal in which the fledgling Christian hard music scene exploded. REZ, Petra and Stryper led the way, but there were many underground/lesser known bands which helped fuel the fire for the likes of Barren Cross, Bloodgood, Whitecross, Leviticus, Holy Soldier later followed by Guardian, Bride, Sacred Warrior, Recon, Tamplin/Magdallan, The Brave, X-Sinner, Fear Not and Mastedon.

What qualities did all these bands share? Aside from their faith, they shared a distinctive, easily discernable style of hard melodic rock/melodic metal and most importantly, a unique vocal presence – qualities which were largely abandoned (secular and Christian) by labels and the mainstream rock/metal scene during the decade of the mid to late ‘90’s.

Hence, the void, the vacuum…

Break the Silence – Fill the Void

The last 20 years have enjoyed a return/proliferation of the progressive rock of the ‘70’s, the progressive metal of the 90’s, even the classic/power metal (which has always remained in the underground) which blossomed in the late ‘80’s (Helloween/Iron Maiden/Accept). Even extreme metal/death metal has kept a constant pressure on the scene to endure, and while some of the nu metal/alt metal vibes of the early 2000’s has managed to survive, original music is harder to find, let alone quality melodic hard rock … let alone quality melodic hard rock with a Christian worldview and a progressive, contemporary edge to boot.

Enter Human Code. What happens when you put a melodic rock/AOR producer of music with some of the most talented rock/metal musicians from the late ‘80’s/early ‘90’s? And when the message is distinctly in line with a Christian worldview? Void filled indeed.

Enter Michael Drive (Barren Cross/Gale Force), George Ochoa (Deliverance/Recon/Worldview), Todd Libby (Recon/Worldview) and Terry Russell (Holy Soldier/Neon Cross/D.O.G./Worldview).

Born of Worldview

For those attentive and curious, the next question might be: why not just another Worldview album? I would encourage you to watch the Brad Bowman interview with George Ochoa and Dino Elefante HERE for some insight into how Human Code was birthed and what’s next for Worldview. Long story short, Ochoa and his Worldview bandmates hooked up with Michael Drive and just when it all seemed right, along came Dino Elefante – literally from just down the street – to take it all to the next level.

“Just What I Needed”

Furthermore, Michael Drive literally drove this project to the next level with his dynamic vocal and lyrical contributions. For those familiar with the Gale Force record – which was a good comeback for him but it still had something lacking – this album showcases his true talent.

For clarity, Worldview is power/progressive metal – Human Code is much harder to categorize … and that’s a great thing. Break the Silence is, quite frankly, one of those albums you listen to and say, “This is just what I needed!”

For those who were enthralled with releases like Guardian’s Fire and Love or Fear Not’s debut or The Brave’s debut or the first Mastedon album and yet also love more contemporary or progressive styles with a metal edge like Queensrÿche or Sacred Warrior, that dynamic Lovewar debut with its prog rock flavorings, and of course, Barren Cross – State of Control album, Break the Silence is an album you are going to listen to and say, “wow, why has no one made a record like this one in like, a long, long time…”

[Balance of Power – Perfect Balance (2001) is the last melodic rock record I can remember which sounded this good]

The Sonics

I think most familiar with the Elefante brothers have come to expect a certain level of polish and sheen to the albums they produce. All those iconic albums from the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s they produced had a trademark punch and kick with perfect mix of treble/middle/bass.

However, there were some aspects of the Elefante sound which folks who loved the more raw, more spontaneous aspect of live and studio produced music found “over-produced.” Fair enough. Reassuringly, to those folks I would say, regarding Break the Silence, fear not. Yes, these songs are polished – and maybe just mastered a bit on the “loud” side – but there is enough contemporary edge in the mix to give this record both a distinctive and original, yet timeless, quality. It’s not perfect, but darn if it isn’t close.

The Tunes

No More Silence

Like those iconic records from the 80’s and early 90’s the “hit single” title track breaks the silence big with a huge statement out of the gate. Who says song order doesn’t matter? And who says a great “single” doesn’t make or break a band? Human Code have made a statement and they’ve made it big, and this song introduces you to the new friend you didn’t know you needed!

“Break the Silence” immediately hits hard with the punch of the bass drum and Drive’s patented vocal prowess which sounds every bit as powerful and vital as during his glory days with Barren Cross. What did I say earlier about identifiable sound? There it is, right in your face – instant identity. The driving guitars give the impression of metal edge – you can just hear Ochoa’s guitar straining to bust metal – but this song, while pushing to the cusp of melodic rock boundaries, keeps it clean, short and accessible – especially with those patented Elefante “group” BGV’s in the chorus. And what a lyrical statement – it perfectly matches the shock wave of the opening musical salvo. Primo!

Speak Truth!

The bass groove which drives the opening crunch of “Say What You Mean” rules. Instead of fading in homage to the rhythm guitar a few bars later, this driving undertow of bass persists throughout. But that lead guitar riff is king as well … and the two blend well during the middle breakout section of the song, perfectly complementing Drive’s vocal exegesis about “telling the truth.” A subdued, yet melodic guitar solo (wait, what a solo?) graces the prelude to the run-out. This could easily be a second “single.” Not to mention, the message is so important to the world today.

“Imagine a world where everyone/were honest at heart … Imagine no falsehoods/No tales for gain, but only veritas!/No deceit, fraud or stain”

Raining Queen

Ok, what rock record from the day didn’t contain a great ballad? None worth its weight, at least. “Rain” doesn’t disappoint. This is a humble song about surrender, forgiveness and redemption, just that. The keyboard intro certainly connects this song with the glory days of “ballads” but also conveys a progressive, almost Queen-like vibe (“Who Wants to Live Forever”).

Yes, Drive channels Freddie Mercury here and in doing so not only showcases his incredible vocal gift but also pays homage to the great melodic singers of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. This “wet” version of the song features a beautiful and flowing guitar solo as drummer Russell channels a bit of Scott Rockenfield with his supportive rhythms which are chill smooth yet percussive.

Progressive DNA

For those familiar with Queensrÿche’s Promised Land record, you are going to love some of these more progressive tracks like “Genetic Dysfunction” about both the nature of our genetic state and our ability to choose to overcome the fallen state of our DNA. It’s a great groove – hypnotic guitar here – slightly dark and plodding which works for the most part.

Pop Kill

“Don’t Kill the Messenger” has an upbeat, more “pop-y” vibe which is a nice change-up – showcasing the band’s diversity – but it’s also the first song where the repetition grates just a bit on the ears. I love the message here – “What if change is what you needed/Away from what you think you love?” In some sections the hi-hats are so prominent that it detracts from the vocals, and those vocal effects feel shrill as well. After many listens, from a production and musical standpoint, this is the only song here where I just can’t get excited about the repeat button.

Holy War

There are two songs on this record that just absolutely resonate with me both musically and on a soul level. On the musical front, “Evermore” just slays. This song should be song of the year! Probably the least pop/melodic oriented song and the most progressive song with its Eastern vibe, it just engages so perfectly my aural synapses and appeals to my love of rock/metal songs with historical lyrics. This cinematic epic should/could be part of a movie soundtrack. The deep bass groove and clean yet crushing guitar riffs reek of a deep spiritual battle – the one which the lyrics chronicle – with a laborious and lamenting quality.

Nevertheless, the beauty of Drive’s singing keeps this song accessible and in step with the rest of Break the Silence. Roy Khan and Sweden’s Conception come to mind, and for those not familiar with that pioneering progressive metal band, this is a compliment at the highest level.

Euphoria Bent

Contrastingly, I once again hear Drive channeling Mercury on “40 Seconds” – yet another one of the more melodic, pop songs here. The contrast of this almost euphoric vocal catharsis on top of the reverb-y drums with the tragic reality of the lyrics is brilliant.

State of Nation

The second song which resonates with me – this on a spiritual level – sounds like it could be a contemporary Barren Cross song. “Socially Incorrect” is a brilliant exegesis on the state of our nation when it comes to socio-political … well, correctness. Lyrically, this just says it all…

“They say I’m a ‘micro-aggression’/I’m socially incorrect/Get over it, PC police”

Confession

This juggernaut is followed by a different kind of song in “Blame Me” which seems to be a painful confession on the part of the lyricist. This is a ballad-y type slow rocker, another track where its apparent Drive funneled the direction of the vibe/lyrics, and one which isn’t as immediately accessible as many of the other on Break the Silence, yet the lyrical catharsis fits perfectly within the context. This one will likely be a grower for sure. Ochoa’s guitars have a Chris DeGarmo-esque quality, so clean and melodic in that Empire fashion.

Choose Life

So, at this point, heading into the final track, the listener is left wondering are we going to get a melodic AOR rocker or an “Eyes of the Stranger” type finale. “Lying Whispers” – choose life in Christ – falls satisfyingly in the latter category. Another song where Drive’s vocal performance is simultaneously stunning and compelling ala Barren Cross. If this song doesn’t convince you that this record features Drive’s best vocal performance (recorded) to date, nothing will.

Dry Rain

Consequently, since I am reviewing the Deluxe CD version, the final track is a “bonus” track – the “dry-add water” acoustic version of “Rain.” Just a perfect ending to an incredibly perfectly balanced rock recording.