Shadows Entwined - Divine Darkness |
Published August 26 2009
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Prelude To Oblivion (Intro) |
| Genre | Classic Speed Metal |
Tim Anderson
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 10 |
Walter Martinez
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 50 Min. |
Emilio Coello
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Guitar
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| Label | Self released |
Joseph "Popper" Silva
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Bass
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| Release | 19 May 2009 |
Romeo Cisneros
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Drums
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| Country | USA |
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Keyboard
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| Similar artists | Zephaniah, Eternal Legacy, Zandelle | ||
Shadows Entwined are a burgeoning, empyreal young outfit of hungry young musicians, inspired by Classic Metal, playing with a passionate probity, and divine starkness. Their self-released album - 'Divine Darkness' - is a damn good example of musicians, who, despite the persecution of those who play true metal; refuse to follow trends, or compromise their integrity.
If you celebrate the sounds of the past, or artists who uphold this sonic value, like those signed to Auburn, Sonic Age, Pure Steel, Hellion Records, and their ilk, I definitely recommend familiarizing yourself with these California lads, who are ready to rise and conquer.
After the opening intro of "Prelude To Oblivion", "Nightmare Made Flesh" sears with a feast of fresh riff arrangements, and awesome solos similar to what Indianna's Zephaniah have accomplished on their debut. I am also reminded of the masterful work from the incredible new Zandelle album - 'Flames of Rage'. Shadows Entwined have all the same capabilities of these seasoned Brooklyn shadows of twilight, minus the overuse of keys, too prominent on their latest vengeful offering.
The next track - "A Sign Of Ages" - is a bit more epic, still replete with the sedulous speed of artists like: Onward, Steel Prophet, Destiny's End, or New Eden. In fact, Shadows Entwined even makes use of those death metal drumming dynamics, brutal crunches, and harsh histrionics, as the aforementioned acts have done, in moderation. Joseph "Popper" Silva contributes some vicious grunts and howls to the blistering - "Plague Of Nations" and roaring - "Rise To Conquer".
Vivacious vocalist: Tim Anderson has much in common with the range of Jason Vanek of Cleveland's own Eternal Legacy, whose new album - 'Lifeless Alive', I am still waiting to hear! I sure do hope that it will be released soon with the canicular spectrum of events in play, and that tempestuous delay, reconciled. It is truly sad to see that yet another bassist, this time: Spencer Phillips, who also plays keyboards, has departed, to pursue his higher education.
Another similarity which I have noticed with Zandelle, would be in the vocal style of Tim to resemble George Tsalikis. Although, perhaps Tim also sounds like a younger George from his Gothic Knights daze. I would also suggest a small assuage in timber, and perchance a mild proclivity with Rick Mythiasin, and his numbered vocal reflections.
"Persecution Of Souls" is another real burner, showing no signs of relent. "For Those Without Redemption" is total speed metal for fans of Cage, Forbidden, Helstar, and even Crescent Shield. If you have heard the new Crescent Shield album - 'The Stars Of Never Seen', consider the last cut - "Lifespan", for an adequate comparison.
The powerful - "Plague Of Nations" is another hyperfast grateful shred, mirrored by skill, and outsanding guitar calisthenics from Walter Martinez, and Emilio Coello. With the adept quality of artists like Total Eclipse, these two, soon to be infamous, violent shredders really know their way around the neck, with one pernicious pick of the axe, after another. These stars of the new seed, truly germinate with an inspired alacrity.
The treacherous and rippin' - "Rise To Conquer" - embraces a more classic feel, similar to: Jag Panzer, Aska, Twisted Tower Dire, and Sacred Oath. Although, there is an added power doom element similar to Solitude Aeturnus, or Chicago's own Enforcer, who just released their compilation of demos through Stormspell Records. Speaking of Stormspell, check out the killer Fischel's Beast, if you are a fan of the first Sentinel Beast album - "Depths Of Depth"!
The duplicitous dirge, and growls of Dominick Scalzi found on - "The Silent Infamy" provide a certain caustic affectation to the closer, whose punishing merit is only briefly mitigated by an arousing acoustic interlude.
Lyrically, the message carries a spiritual sense of semiotics; pronounced by eschatological themes, and an apocalyptic mindset. There is a strong dark female presence, serving as the personification of death, written into almost every song. The cover artwork sets this haunting image, which permeates all throughout. It is as if she is Hecate - The Mistress Of Hell. Or perhaps she is a representation for the Great Whore Of Babylon, mentioned in the Book Of Revelations.
Overall, I definitely recommend discovering Shadows Entwined.
If I were to hachure, or hack at one thing which did frustrate me, it
would be for the manner in which the booklet is layed out, rather haphazardly.
The graphics, tend to obscure the lyrics in certain parts. The lyrics
themselves have typos, and oblique grammatical inconsistencies, as well
as spelling errors (beckons is not the same as beacons). Thankfully,
the vocals are clear enough to understand, and
gloss over these discrepancies.
I respect the effort the band have generated to release this astonishing debut on their own accord. I am also very appreciative of the personal responses I have received from Walter who was instrumental in securing me a CD for reviewing. In a near digital age, a small gripe like the booklet is rather tertiary. The music is primary, and it is truly of the highest caliber!
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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8,5 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
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Summary
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8 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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