When considering, that Shadow Cut includes musicians from Impaled Nazarene (drummer Repe F.W. Misanthrope aka Reima Kellokoski) and Moonsorrow (guitarist Mitja Harvilahti, on bass and additional guitar here), this band does not sound like those two bands. Actually Shadows Cut (SC from now on) manages to sound even somewhat unique.

Shadow Cut's (SC from now on) metal is ugly sounding bastard of death and black metals. SC's death metal side is simplistic old school and therefore presenting some strong riffs, the best example being 'Throatcuts Nine's hellishly groovy Motörhead-esque guitar/bass attack accompanied by double kick drums. Black metal side is as Nordic as it gets: more texture-style guitar playing is accompanied by fast blasting parts, somewhere between older Enslaved and Marduk territories. Sometimes the songs are made clearly of death and black, but some songs stick to one style. When the band nails it the best way to can, it's very good stuff both catchiness- and atmosphere-wise, but sadly there's some very average material included, which just doesn't stick to my brain. Occasionally the music is coloured with some synths effects, which sit well in.

'Picture of Death's brutality doesn't lie in music alone. The Henri Sorvali production is powerful in its rawness and organic nature, feeling very much analogue. Snare drum sound is a tad flat, but otherwise this bruises badly. Really nice job in general. Vocals are one-dimensional but strong enough growling, which fits in well and does not annoy but neither impress. Cover art might get banned in some countries. Can comment about lyrical side of the album, though. Song titles surely give out something... Maybe murder, war, religions and misanthopy.

Partly strong debut album, but with average material included. However, 'Pictured of Death' grows when given time. People seeking for brutal, organic and ugly metal should try samples now.

Rating: 7- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/15/2005 15:08