Review Summary: Inconsistent, but when it hits, it hits hard.
ECLYPTIC: Wake of Shadows is not an easy album to describe. In certain songs, they have a dramatic, classical flair similar to Kamelot, and Stream of Passion, mixed with gothic tones. The rest of the album is filled with instrumental interludes like soundtrack music, and some quieter songs and ballads. There is also one song seemingly influenced by power metal, and altogether the album has a lot of pop influences and spacey ambience. It’s a mixed bag that often surprises. The band borrows a lot of ideas from symphonic metal, but I wouldn’t call this symphonic metal either. ILLUMISHADE refuse to conform to any standards. The only downside is the focus on giving a soundtrack-like experience. The pace is constantly changing, and the interludes ultimately feel like pretty, fluffy filler rather than vital pieces.
Interwoven in the heavier tracks is a delicious classical/gothic atmosphere. Muse Of Unknown Forces is an incredibly well written piece, a completely original classical metal song that symphonic metal bands only wish they wrote. The female singer is almost too good for this band, giving the performance of her life in the song. She has a distinct edge to her voice, a sinister warning that is not easily duplicated - it’s quite theatrical, yet not cheesy at all. She sounds incredible.
The various pieces in the album all work aside from maybe one slow song. The interludes are pretty and atmospheric, and the metal tracks are generally pretty unique. ILLUMISHADE is a band to keep an eye on. Their debut may be a little all over the place, but the places they go are creative. For a young band, this is a surprisingly intriguing album and I look forward to future releases.
