Total Gothenburg melodic death metal worship from Japan. That's what Shadow are, in a nutshell. I think it is needless to point out, that there's no slightest elements of individuality in Shadow's music or performance. On this, their debut album, Shadow harked back to the 1990s, leaving 21st crap alone, so the mallcore bits of shitness are gladly absent. And in my opinion, that is the saving trait for the band and the album.

Everything is fluidly performed, but without too much gimmicks. For example, the drummer is totally out of stunts. Nimble-fingered guitars are the best bit on the album, if looking at it from performance point of view. Fast riffing , melodious leads and good soloing. The guitars remind of Jesper Strömblad's and Björn Gelotte'a work in In Flames, but also the Amott brothers' earlier works. Vocals are nastily growled. By a lady! Her voice is raspy and hungry, kind of female Chuck Schuldiner.

The music is fluid, but without anything of one's own. Let's pick out three Gothenburg bands, whose influences can be heard on 'Shadow': Older In Flames (take a listen to 'The Reunion in Soul Asylum' and tell me it's nothing similar! No can do...), Arch Enemy, and a real wildcard, Eucharist. There's this folk music elements (melodies and acoustics), well-known from old In Flames and Eucharist albums. Some more straight riffs remind of 1990s-2000s Megadeth. Songwriting ranges from good to predictable and weaker, but the truth is, that Shadow can't rise to the same level with aforementioned bands' best works. It's the same old fate: It's all been done better in the past. The sound is okay. Everything is nice and clean on slower songs, but when it's blast beat time, it just gets muddled. Especially the drums sound way too nice, and also guitars in some of the songs.

While another monstrous cover art is passable, there is no lyrics or even a clear photo of the band in the booklet. That sums this album up so perfectly: Way too faceless. It surely has some good moments for every Gothenburg metal fanatic, but just do not expect anything fresh. It has its hooks, but they aren't flying towards a listener like a mosquito swarm. They often need to be disinterred. 'The Arrival at the Last Quarter', 'Eden' and 'The Reunion in Soul Asylum' are good songs to check out.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
10/07/2008 19:42