Review Summary: Shadows Fall shows growth and reveals new influences and sounds in the process. Threads of Life contains some classic thrash tracks along with some new twists hinting at a possibility of a diverse future for the group.
There is no question in my mind that Shadows Fall has made a massive impact on the metal world. Their New Wave of American Heavy Metal style showed throughout their impressive released in both
The Art of Balance and
The War Within as they were able to mix classic thrash riffs with a modern touch of breakdowns and solo work. However, after a very mediocre EP in
Fallout From The War many questioned the band’s future, and if they would ever be able to regain the fire they once possessed. Their newest release
Threads of Life is certainly a new addition to the band’s collection in terms of style. Things are certainly toned a bit more back than previous releases in terms of heaviness, not due to playing style as much as production in some cases. Diversity is shown in the sense of the enhanced acoustic work and plenty of the album attempts a more atmospheric sound as opposed to their past thrash fests. While the final result is far from bad, at times I found myself trying to like this record more than it was worth.
The record seems to progress and head in different directions throughout its duration. Both of the opening tracks in
“Redemption” and
“Burning The Lives” feature a great balance of heaviness and melody that the band has become famous for. Clearly they are playing a wonderful thrash sound with a noticeable modern influence, more specifically found in the pinch infested breakdown of
“Burning The Lives”. However, what really sets Shadows Fall apart is their guitarists’ ability to wail at their fretboards. They both put forth a full pull in delivering wonderfully crafted riffs and some shredding solos. The opening tracks show this, as found amongst the riffing are two ripping solos. Both fit their songs terrifically as it seems the band is choosing to continue with their signature sound. For better or for worse, things take a turn there.
Plenty of the tracks which follow show a new side of the band, as they seem to attempt to accent and create some sort of ambiance.
“Storm Winds” reveals a diverse intro riff, with its oddly tremolo picked style and rhythm. Drums go to their standard double bass pattern under the riff. Unfortunately, things start to go bland very fast during the verse. The tempo change later on seems to try to establish an atmosphere, as does the slower solo. Not saying it doesn’t work, but it is evident that this isn’t the band’s natural sound.
“Failure of the Devout” does a much improved job at the slight experimentation. Its acoustic intro certainly locks in a nice atmosphere but the typical double pattern of the drums is really beginning to spoil at this point. There is definitely an overall darker tone in this song. The tempo changes as well as the unique sections certainly show some improvement in the general song construction department. Both tracks certainly represent a slight twist of the traditional Shadows Fall sound.
If those are a slight twist,
“Another Lost Hero” is a full blown 360 as it represents a touching ballad telling a tragic soldier story. Its acoustic introduction releases some sorrow and mourning. The singing here is beautiful for the most part, as is the melody line over the acoustic work. It is a song the band has needed to attempt to due for a long time, and was most welcome here. A great pre chorus build up leads to a very emotional chorus. Just about the only warranted complain here is the excess amount of whammy used in the solo, as certain sections of the solo suffer as a result of the abuse. From here the group showcases one of their longest songs in
“Final Call”. The length along had me anticipating plenty of diverse sections, including a massive instrumental section. There seems to be a strong emphasis here on the vocal tradeoffs as it flows extremely well throughout. My hat is off to the guitarists as this is one of their most consistent outings in delivering riffs and progressions with variety and quality. There is a phenomenal acoustic bridge present here; once more showing progression in the group’s overall sound. It leads into an extremely long and satisfying guitar solo, as it marks a highlight from the album. Between strong instrumental work, enhanced acoustic work, and a flawless usage of dual voice tradeoffs, a terrifically constructed track is heard.
The record’s final two tracks come after a soothing acoustic instrumental in
“The Great Collapse”. They really know how to craft some nice acoustic cuts, and show that throughout sections of the record. However, here the beauty is revealed to its maximum potential. After an acoustic track this close to the end of the record one anticipates that Shadows Fall will let all hell loose during the final two tracks. While that does not hold to be completely true, I would be lying if I said they weren’t heavy.
“Just Another Nightmare” contains more great riffing and drums really help the pace along here by not relying solely on double bass work. As a result the solo seems to have plenty of giddy-up if you will, bringing loads of energy. This mixed with some of the most emotional singing on the record and a great tempo change for the outro all contribute to a spectacular result.
“Forevermore” opens with a classic stop start rhythm section over a tremolo picked thrash riff and wastes no time in letting a solo rip. Double patterns are quite evident here but fit the music well. Despite the heaviness, this track comes stacked with some of the most melodic guitar work on the record. Fair’s vocals work exceptionally well with the music tone, as this seems right up their traditional alley. This track is possibly the highlight of the rhythm section, as things always seem to be fresh and surprising. Of course it features another lengthy solo before they cap things off with a thunderous outro. There is another acoustic bridge before things crescendo into a fury of rage, capping off anther impressive record for the group.
Despite the enhanced and more frequently used acoustic work, atmospherically attempted tracks, and even a ballad, Shadows Fall is still Shadows Fall. Their classic thrash tone they have become famous for introduces and closes the record, and that is where they are their strongest. Not saying during the middle it is departed, but it is evident that the band is subtly experimenting with their sound. Some of the early middle tracks go for atmosphere, not always working out for the better. Despite that slight let down, their strong acoustic work shows up frequently, with a highlight being the very memorable ballad. They use acoustics quite often here, and with good reason as that is an area where they have improved immensely in. Of course vocals on all ends and guitarists make an impressive outing here, as screams, sung melodies, riffs, and solos all represent the album’s highlight attributes. However, the rhythm section at time spoils due to the rehashed double patterns and plenty of soft, near inaudible bass. Individual aspects aside, Shadows Fall could be moving in a somewhat new direction very soon. At this point in their career it almost redundant to say that but
Threads of Life shows them revealing new influences and sounds.
At this point, they have not figured out how to exercise all of these new characteristics to their complete advantage. Despite saying that, this is still valued as a praiseworthy metal record. If they continue this experimentation until things full click, the result for future albums will be full blown deadly. Potential change aside, if
Threads of Life proves one thing it is that Shadows Fall is still very much alive and is yet to run dry on creativity and talent. Both are shown in abundance throughout the album, as Shadows Fall seems on the brink of writing a new masterpiece for their collection.
Threads of Life is not that masterpiece, but rather is a very noteworthy and mandatory step towards accomplishing that feat, reassuring listeners their end is nowhere in sight.
Final Rating: 3/5
