Album Rating: 4.0

Great album, favourite song on it is What Drives The Weak. Saw them live and they were very good.

love the review kripes
never really heard the band before tho

I prefer Lamb Of God.

123.

Album Rating: 4.5

I'm sure you all know how I feel about this band, so I'll save you my fanboyisms. :p

I feel that this album was easily up to par with their other albums and not at all a disappointment. Your review was very well written, and I agree with you on all but a few points.

[QUOTE=Kripes]What is in place of brutality is something along the lines of more of a “mainstream” feel to the record.[/QUOTE]

I've heard many use this to compare it with past albums, but I'm never quite sure why. This album is far and beyond "mainstream" just like their past albums. It is certainly just as brutal. The Art of Balance had a thrash feel and focused mainly on speed and technicality, which gave it more of a crushing metal feel. This album however, seems to excel in creating a sort of pounding melody. If you don't think parts like The Light That Blinds (when the electric comes in after the intro), Eternity is Within, or Those Who Cannot Speak then you're crazy! It was obvious in songs like Ghost of Past Failures and What Drives the Weak that they were trying to accomplish a newer style for them, and they nailed it dead on. Less unrelenting, yes, but certainly not more mainstream or dumbed down.

[QUOTE=Kripes]Bassist Paul Romanko comes close as being one of the most underrated bassists in metal today. His lines, while not exactly prominent on The War Within, still help to balance the overall tone of the music in the album.[/QUOTE]

This I think is a key point. If you've ever really listened or watched the riffs that Matt and Jon so casually pull off, these guys know their instruments. Any bassist that can keep up with their stuff certainly deserves recognition.

[QUOTE=Kripes]which is probably because some songs mesh together by sounding alike.[/QUOTE]

This is the only thing I noticed. Like many bands, once you're used to the style they play you start to notice all of the differences in songs. Tracks like Act of Contrition and the verses of Stillness sound a little recycled, but every song on the album has something to make it stand out and shine for how well it was written.

Overall, a great review for an even better album. I can't wait for the next Shadows Fall album because at this point I don't think anything they do will disappoint me!

I’ll just pretend that a few other users here (who will remain nameless) didn’t stoop as low as Lamb of God. :p

Album Rating: 4.5

Thank you, your opinion on the review is what I've been looking forward to for the last hour or so.

[quote=ShadowsFallen]I’ll just pretend that a few other users here (who will remain nameless) didn’t stoop as low as Lamb of God.[/quote]

Urgh, Lamb of God, worst of the so-called new wave of American metal.

Actually, worst of almost all metal (that I've heard of course :p).

Album Rating: 4.0

Exellent album. I like it anyway. Definately not their best, but a good one none the less.

this album was a let down.
the direction this band is taking

Album Rating: 4.5

Can someone please tell me why they negged this review?

The Light That Blinds and Power of I and I are my favorite tracks. But I honestly feel that this album had to much clean vocals. Their sound has changed quite a bit. But it's still impressive though.

this was a HUGE let down.

Album Rating: 4.5

[quote=the matrix]Great review as usualy Kripes.[/quote]

[quote=Cheeto-t]I liked the review.[/quote]

[quote=Dead Trench]Best review of this CD so good job.[/quote]

[quote=Ocelot-05]Kripes, or should I say Mr. Metal, good review.[/quote]

[quote=BigRoachy]Good review[/quote]

[quote=Destined For]Good job on the review[/quote]

Thank you all for your compliments, they are appreciated.

Album Rating: 4.5

[QUOTE=Spat]although Shadows Fall are on my top 4 'bands I'd rather listen to really bad metal than listen to'.[/QUOTE]

You went out of your way to say that?

Album Rating: 4.5

[quote=Spat Out Plath]There's also the equally valid point that all the metal I listen to is really bad[/quote]

Yes, but the top 4? Come on. :-

Album Rating: 4.0

Come on, Shadows actually do have some good bass if you listen for it. The bass is awesome in What Drives The Weak, and there are some pretty good lines in The Light That Blinds, and the Act Of Contrition. The more I listen you can really hear it shine.

Album Rating: 4.0

I saw What Drives the Weak on Headbangers Ball, that got me into them. This is great album!

Album Rating: 4.5

Enlightened by the Cold slays

Album Rating: 4.2

Thats one of the only songs I like on this album.

Album Rating: 4.5

Inspiration on Demand!!!!!!!!! you cant say no to that

Album Rating: 3.0

meh. this doesn't hold my attention for very long