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SHADOWS FALL - The War Within |
Century Media Records | |
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Posted: 1/22/05Reviewed by: Steve Gottlieb Category: Heavy Metal with extreme elements Released: 2004 Label URL: www.centurymedia.com Artist URL: www.shadowsfall.com | |
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Lately it seems that Shadows Fall is always being referred to as some sort of second coming of Metallica. Which is baloney, if you ask me, and does a disservice to both bands. Take these two quotes from their press kit:
“On this album, Shadows Fall ride the lightning to greatness” - Revolver
“…The City’s answer to Metallica” - Boston Globe
These simple comparisons may work for non-metallic writers writing for readers who consider anything with a distorted guitar sound to be metal and who collectively consider Metallica to be some sort of elected representative of the genre, but doesn’t cut the mustard for us. We know better, don’t we! The Ride the Lightning comparison may have merit when talking about the “Fight Fire With Fire” inspired acoustic intro that kicks off the album, but that’s where the similarities end.
Shadows Fall have a truly unique sound, and it cuts across such a wide range of metal that you will have a hard time not identifying with a large part of the album. Musically, they out-Ozzfest any 2nd stage band while at the same time riffing and soloing better than most Scandinavian extreme bands. Add a healthy dose of thrash and traditional metal elements, and you’ve got a winning combination. Guitarists Matthew Bachand and Jonathan Donais effortlessly play riffs and rhythms that 90% of metalheads will identify with, from Pantera-ish staccato metalcore to Maiden-esque melodies to everything in between, and Donais’ solos are as fluid as anything you’ve heard from Arch Enemy, In Flames or Soilwork. In fact, the beginning of leadoff track “The Light That Blinds” sounds like it could have been recorded at Studio Fredman by any of the aforementioned bands.
That said, The War Within still may not be instantly gratifying for some listeners, and that’s due primarily to Brain Fair’s vocals. This guy has quite a vocal range, and his clean singing voice, sounding remarkably like a cross between Joey Belladonna and John Bush, is a great voice for metal. However, like so many current bands, he also has a deep, dark, demonic growl, a voice which he uses often on the album. This half-death/half-hardcore semi-understandable scream may initially be a turnoff for traditional listeners, and that’s a shame. On some songs the alternating growly and clean vocals works quite well, and adds an element of anger and tension. On others, however, I wish he’d use his clean singing voice throughout.
After a few listens the vocals won’t matter too much, since the songs are so well written, whether it’s the melodic “Ghosts of Past Failures” or the speedy “Eternity is Within.” These guys know how to write a catchy riff and even catchier chorus, and more importantly, put it all together to make a catchy song. Don’t be mistaken by my use of the word “catchy,” it doesn’t mean these are wimpy lighthearted songs. On the contrary, the lyrics are generally dark and somber, although the standout track “What Drives the Weak” has a great invigorating chorus. Overall, there are so many strong points to the album that the deathy vocals on parts of some of the songs isn’t enough of a deterrent to give this album anything less than a 5-axe rating.
The Bloody Truth: Would this album attract more listeners if Fair sang in his clean voice on the entire album? Probably. But then again, maybe the contrasting vocals are what makes this such a powerful album to begin with. Either way, the musicianship, solos, choruses, and overall strong songwriting trumps all, and makes this a must listen. | ||
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