This experience was soon to pay off: in the middle of working on his self-composed journeyman's piece, LEGENDS OF SAFAR (2005) - a concept album which he distributed himself, selling 1,000 copies without promotion - the drummer applied for a position with Germany's medieval rock music institution, Subway To Sally. The band were so impressed with the amazing skills of the talented young drummer that they made him a sensational offer: "Let us know by tomorrow morning, ten o' clock, whether you want to join us!" The rest is rock history, at least as far as Simon Michael's work with the band from Potsdam is concerned. This, however, didn't automatically mean the end of SILVERLANE. In fact, the opposite was the case: together with Ecki Singer, a 23-year-old, strong-voiced powerhouse of a vocalist, and guitarist Uli Holzermer, Michael has been working simultaneously on his band's official album debut "My Inner Demon", due out on 20 February 2009.

"The various styles in heavy metal - be it medieval folk, hard rock or power metal of the variety that SILVERLANE specialise in - aren't as different as some people may think," reckons the percussionist, explaining how he succeeds not only in working in two acts alongside each other without no effort, but also in combining two seemingly contrary genres without the slightest loss of friction. The answer is simple: "Good melodies with an equally good accompaniment - it works every time!"

In line with this, SILVERLANE allow themselves to be inspired by "all kinds of genres from the easy listening and e-music sectors": be it classical music, movie soundtracks, singer/songwriter creations by artists such as the Palestinian vocalist Rim Banna or - to remain in the realm of drumming - oriental percussions: anything goes - nothing is impossible.

That "My Inner Demon" moves beyond any clichés that prevail in the melodic power metal genre, focussing on innovation instead, is indicated by the title track with its more than seven minutes of playing time: powerful, threateningly bombastic, garnished with exotic percussion elements - the genre of symphonic dark metal is literally celebrating its reincarnation! 'The Dark Storm', on the other hand, impresses with a powerful, epic swing, and 'Kingdom Of Sand' oozes vitality, traditional heaviness à la Black Sabbath and playful gems, specifically in the drums department.

And while 'Wings Of Eternity' impressively demonstrates that catchy melodies and sophisticatedly detailed arrangements do not necessary exclude each other, these five gentlemen and one lady from Forchheim in Southern Germany caress the soul in a monolithic-theatrical fashion with piano and string sequences on 'Slowly', which will soon serve as an excellent reference when it comes to power ballads.

In other respects, too, SILVERLANE have succeeded in creating an at all times haunting sonic symbiosis which sparkles with unusual harmonies and inflections, gritty riffs, driving rhythms and effective orchestrations. The result sets new standards in the symphonic power metal genre courtesy of its amazing range in terms of dynamism and emotion. In other words: "My Inner Demon" is not only a great aural experience, but also a fascinating 3D IMAX event for the senses!