London-based guitarist Shadow Venger is known from Kerosys (also ex-Stand Aside and ex-Empyreal Destroyer). He describes his guitar playing as "Bruce Lee guitar", meaning that as Bruce Lee said that he had "style of no style", so is Shadow Venger's style: It is about self-expression, and he does not slavishly follow any particular styles. But metal music the base where his music is rooted to.

This "no bindings" style of musical vision works surprisingly well, and does not feel forced or too extended. It all holds well together. 'All I Have Left' is like a celebration for Gothenburg/melodic death metal. Beginning epically, it soon enters more aggressive territories. Neo classical guitar playing is great to listen to, as well as more blunt metal riffing. The song is pretty proggressive at times, and its awesome ending crowns it perfecty! It shows, that instrumentals aren't only for musicians. 'When the Sorrow Turns to Insanity' starts with beautiful, melancholic acoustic guitar playing, before it hits the neo classical metal gear. It suddenly turns into mad progressive thrashing. Mad is the right word for this song's atmosphere. Lucid, bewitching instrumental 'Winter Song' reminds of bright firmament. 'Girl of the Sunset' is the real differing treat here with its Rush/Joe Satriani style guitar work and overall joyful feeling. Sometimes it gets more metal than aforementioned artists, and kind of reminds of DragonForce, though. Again, some fantastic neo classic guitar playing is heard, this time acoustic.

Shadow Venger's debut EP is a many-faceted trip into guitar playing. And he is ace in handling that instrument (and the bass)! He also played drums, which are absolutely well enough played, if nothing like the guitar. And when the recording sounds ok, it is all well here. A definite "must check out" for guitarists, but also those who want music that can actually cheer up and blow you away. Need I say it: "We want more" repeatedly??!

Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/22/2012 19:46