Review Summary: A surpsingly dynamic affair
Being the third release from these UK based upstarts, what is most refreshing about 'In Shadows' is the apparent metallic know how they display beyond the the relentless chug dependence of countless deathcore peers.
Indeed, from the blast beat led fury and glistening guitar leads of 'r_Evolution', the lurching groove of 'Nemesis' and 'Prison Walls' with its simmering malevolence, it is certainly true to say that this seven track EP is a surprsingly dynamic affair. This is not to say however there are not moments of straight forward chug-a-lug brutality, yet the monsterous breakdowns replete in 'Vultures' or the otherwise full throttle violence of 'Goldstein' hit home with such a devastating impact it is difficult to question their payoff, placed fantastically for an incisive effect.
What is also commendable is the variety of influences on display here, foregoing the usual beatdown fest with the occasion blast beat thrown in which seems to plague the genre. The both aforementioned 'Vultures' and 'Nemesis' impress with a deathly delivery, some venomous tremelo picked riffing and guttural outpouring really ramping up the blood thirsty ambience, whilst tracks such as closer 'Isolate' barrel along with a thuggish stomp and a churning mid-paced sensibility, displaying a rather more lumbering, yet equally as aggressive, hardcore esque attack.
'In Shadows' is nothing groundbreaking by any means, yet the tracks on offer show a level of songsmithery and instrumental ability which manages to keep proceeding both engaging and satisfying. More importantly, this is a release which is chock full of fun, and on this evidence should see the inception of some truly venue demolishing live shows. Exciting stuff.
