Announced in early January 2006, Heavy Metal concept SILENT STRAIN, hailing from Canada, Denmark and Russia, comprised ANNIHILATOR lead singer Dave Padden, the MERCENARY and MNEMIC credited guitar player Mircea Eftemie Gabriel, second guitarist Cory McBain of CYANOTIC, bassist Rick Struve from GOD AWAKENS and CIVIL RUIN and Igor Chiefot on the drums.