Elvenking's direction this time around essentially targets memory-heavy power metal, basically exploiting the characteristics often associated with said-identity. Fast, chunky riffs, rapid percussion, atmospheric keys, a huge focus on choruses and catchiness, plus a sturdy production job; all of it wrapped up and ready to ship. "Red Silent Dawn," though, is consistent and fun, finally portraying the bloodline this band was supposed to have: there is no love for metalcore, nor the high-school angst that plagued "The Scythe," so mail Odin your alms and let the party begin! The musicality isn't significant by a sniper rifle's blast, but it is very catchy and listenable. Vocalist Damnagoras shows no signs of morphing outside his very fine voice, which again, makes for a dependable affair once all is scribed in the runes.

More importantly, "Red Silent Tides" has some transcendental material within the album's niche, mainly because the metallic element finally earns a much-needed presence that most of Elvenking's declining works lacked. "Runereader," for instance, seemingly comes out of nowhere with speedy riffs, addictive turns, and a monstrous double-bass bridge submerged in keys that simply becomes wondrously epic as all hell; it's easily one of the record's prime cuts. "Your Heroes Are Dead" likewise serves a course in electric riffs typically found in fast power metal, yet configured brilliantly in Elvenking's animated verses with a dashing chorus tagged on its tail that never runs on empty. Sure these are just two tracks, but I'll be cursed into eternity if both aren't some of the greatest creations produced under Elvenking's crest.

Surprisingly though, the folk factor - one could say the only unitary item in Elvenking's music - quietly dismounts itself as the group's primary act of magnetism, instead allowing the band to focus on riffs and basic power metal without the urgency to throw in a violin just because violins are folk, which makes Elvenking folk, hurr hurr. "Red Silent Tides" simply appears more relaxed and to the point; no need to apply massive productions or ideas just because, thankfully. Occasionally there are daft tracks which transform Elvenking's yummy mountain of cheese into overblown filler, but that's to be expected, and considering the massive turnaround "Red Silent Tides" represents, I'd say it's a blessing they only screwed up two tracks or so.