Shadows Fall-Threads Of Life

Record Label: Roadrunner Records/Atlantic Records
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
1. Redemption
2. Burning The Lives
3. Storm Winds
4. Failure Of The Devout
5. Venomous
6. Another Hero Lost
7. Final Call
8. Dread Uprising
9. The Great Collapse
10. Just Another Nightmare
11. Forever More

It’s a surprise how quickly Shadows Fall have followed up their last album Fallout From The War, which saw the band depart from Century Media and switch to Atlantic/Roadrunner Records.

One would imagine that in doing so, they may have stretched themselves too thin, but in this case, it is not so. One of the first things I noticed that the album has the feel of an 80’s Metal Band, which is not necessarily a bad thing since some of the best metal bands did come out of the 80’s.
In saying that, I mean it came with brilliant riffs, great drumming and blistering solos. Some may feel that now the band has switched to a major record label, they have become too commercial, and granted the first track "Redemption" does come across as that way.

In listening to "Redemption" it came as a surprise to know that the band was even considered thrash metal.
But skip through to fourth track "Failure Of The Devout" with it’s sped-up riffs, and the angry, growling vocals, and there is no mistake the band is thrash metal.Vocalist Brian Fair has one of those voices that is adept to switching from sharp growls to melodic singer, and it works well for the band.

I’m a sucker for any Metal Band doing a ballad, and Shadows Fall far from fail in their attempt. "Another Hero Lost", again shows the diversity of Shadows Fall.
It’s their most commercial song, and if released as a single, would probably do very well. It could also be a sign that the band is adapting and growing in their confidence and musical abilities.

Shadows Fall are definitely part of the new wave of American Metal, along with Killswitch Engage, and I look forward to see them move forward and become bigger and better.

Songs not to miss: "Final Call", "Another Hero Lost", and "Burning The Lives".

Coupled with well-written lyrics, searing guitar solos and inspired by the spirits of former Metal Greats, this is an album not to be missed.

I give it HHHH

Buy Shadows Fall's Threads of Life here
Shadows Fall's official site
Shadows Fall on myspace