Review Summary: Shadowlands opts for a heavier direction without losing sight of Mos Generator's 70s rock roots.
As indicated by the surprisingly menacing album art, Mos Generator has never been as heavy or dark as they are on Shadowlands. Past outings like 2014’s Electric Mountain Majesty have their hard-hitting moments, but it’s hard to think of a time when the Washington band’s approach has sounded this muscular. There’s not even been any shift to all-out metal either; Tony Reed and co.’s love of all things 70s rock is firmly intact.
As with past albums, you’ll find a slew of intermingling influences on Shadowlands. The title track comes bursting in with a groove somewhere between Led Zeppelin’s “How Many More Times” and KISS’s “Love Gun.” Elsewhere, some Pink Floyd inspiration comes out on “Stolen Ages” and “The Wild & Gentle Dogs” while the upbeat chug on “Drowning in Your Loving Cup” conjures the second half of Black Sabbath’s “Megalomania.”
The overall band dynamic has also been revamped though still making the most of that patented power trio format. The bass is more prominent than its ever been while the drums put in some intricate patterns. Reed’s guitar is also more aggressive with songs like “The Destroyer” and “The Blasting Concept” featuring some of his most aggressive playing to date. Thankfully his Paul Stanley by way of Ozzy style howl is as charismatic as ever.
Overall, Shadowlands offers a few tweaks to the Mos Generator formula without going too overboard. The album’s approach is tighter than the band’s other albums, but the musicians’ clear enthusiasm and varied songwriting keep it from feeling too calculating. Fans already acquainted with Mos Generator shouldn’t be too alienated and new listeners are advised to check out if they have anything resembling a love for bare bones hard rock.
Highlights:
“Shadowlands”
“Drowning in Your Loving Cup”
“Stolen Ages”
“The Wild & Gentle Dogs”
Originally published at http://indymetalvault.com
