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Written by MICHAEL MCNICHOLS
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Tuesday, 29 May 2007 |
I discovered Shadows Fall backing in 2004 with their album, “The War Within.” I instantly loved its all out power both in vocals and in the music. Last year they released “Fallout From the War”, which was just that - leftovers from “The War Within”. So with that in mind, I eagerly anticipated the follow-up, “Threads of Life”.
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Shadows Fall
|  Entertainment
Art
“Threads of Life”
(Atlantic Records)
Released April 3, 2007
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p> Although “Threads of Life” does have it’s moments, it’s a far cry from their previous efforts. A notable difference comes from the way frontman Brian Fair delivers his vocals. On “Threads of Life” he is actually trying to sing more than just deliver the usual screams. For a thrash metal band singer, Fair always seemed at odds with himself. His screaming and his lyrics have always had an overly emotional edge to them and because of this, showed a greater range than most singers in the genre. Even though he is not completely successful this time, it’s still an impressive effort.
The true strength of Shadows Fall lies in their guitar work and this is where “Threads of Life” doesn’t disappoint. Guitarists Jonathan Donais and Matt Bachand along with Paul Romanko on bass play beautifully together. The guitar playing highlights every song, even the weaker ones, with their sharp precision and force. By themselves, the guitar solos transform decent songs into good ones. Donais, Bachand, and Romanko show a complexity in their work any band, metal or otherwise, should envy.
Unfortunately, drummer, Jason Bittner, doesn’t match their energy. While on “The War Within,” he at least displayed a lot of raw power, here he’s just present and accounted for. His drumming is competent enough, but not inspiring and suffers in comparison to the rest of the band.
Overall, “Threads of Life” tries to incorporate more melody into Shadows Fall’s repertoire. “Another Hero Lost” succeeds as a ballad, but “Redemption” (which was the first single off the album) and “Burning The Lives” start off the album with a uninteresting, plodding pace that lacks true aggression. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
