Review Summary: The kind of cohesive metal album you just don't see anymore.
Apocalyptica, are an interesting band of sorts. This Finnish metal suit started out as a Metallica cover band, and eventually branched out and starting making original content to the tune of positive response. In recent years, their popularity has been accentuated by collaborating with Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, and Adam Gontier (formely) of Three Days Grace.
Fast forward to the present day, and this new album "Shadowmaker" shows just how good they can be when they're entirely on their own.
These tracks epitomize what Apocalyptica does best. They're cello-infused heavy metal is the trademark of their music structure. And it works to perfection. Tracks like "Slow Burn" show how catchy the cello can be, and lead singer Franky Perez has the pipes, and his contemporaries should be quite envious. His free flowing and consummate vocals are the proper thing to be at the forefront of this masterful instrumentation. Plus, the lyricism is pretty up to par too.
Opening track "I-III-V Seed of Chaos" is an instrumental opening interlude that showcases the cello utilization into their sound. To be honest, the cello works best for them, because it gives this group a sound only they can manifest. Then you get into the first track to feature vocals, "Cold Blood." This song, among others, sinks it's teeth into proficient instrumentals, and of course, the alluringly pleasant tone of Perez's vocals.
Then you get tracks like "Reign of Fear", that open with this ominous depth that gives the album a genuine touch and proves the band isn't afraid to experiment. Though at the same time, it's not like Apocalyptica lives off of concept albums like bands such as Black Veil Brides do. The songs here directly correlate with their previous discography, while breaking new ground and allowing them to manifest some maturation across the board.
In short, a solid and, as mentioned, consummate effort from one of heavy metal's elite.
