A quick summary – traditional heavy metal from New York City. The PR material suggests a British metal influence, NWoBHM in particular, but I don’t really hear that myself apart from one track called ‘Pretty Faces’. I saw the 7 inch a while back and actually have the demos from the same online platform, so an album, that’s what we need of course. There’s a few times I have questioned this release, but let’s not get to that here…
Opener ‘Ligeria’ and the title track that follows reminds of the US band Relentless. Similar tone and style accompanied with the vocals. Tanya Finder does sing and has a Davy Vain nasal tone similar to the likes Stacy in Savage Master and Relentless’ ex-singer Carlee Jackson. ‘Walking in the Shadows’ has an AOR feel, big hair bands spring to mind a-la Ratt/Vixen (as found on ‘Remains’)? Some of the background guitar work is fantastic, its adds a real back bone to lighter vocal passages, it also makes you listen to what’s beneath the full arrangement. ‘Rising Tide’ is so much more upbeat in terms of more “metal”…the harmonies you find from the guitar work here are often found in EU power metal, here Shadowland have morphed it into a traditional metal style. I love the riff that comes out prior to the solo and tempo change whilst the band are not afraid to invest and present their softer side.
‘Warhound’ follows the now characteristic Shadowland sound with melodic guitar parts, total melody driven riffs and I must say, the lead breaks are out of this world in places. I mentioned earlier, it’s a trait I am liking, that lead work under the vocals, it does augment appreciation somewhat as I have to admit the vocal feels a touch constrained on the album.
Shadowland do capture some amazing ambience in the melody, the riff work and the overall package (including the artwork), for me it is a true American traditional metal inspired release, whether intentional or not (hence my opening statement).
(7/10 Paul Maddison)
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