SHADOWS FALL
Threads of Life
Atlantic Records 2007
www.shadowsfall.com

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What’s the 4-1-1?
Metal act Shadows Fall releases their latest album, and their first for a major label.

Genre
Heavy metal

The Good
“Redemption” comes out of the gate first and raises hell. Right when it begins there is one thing the listener will notice; the song has that guitar sound that let’s you know it is Shadows Fall. First time listeners OF Shadows Fall probably won’t notice that, but if you are a long term fan you will. And let me state that there is nothing wrong with it having that same noticeable sound. The song brings out some of Shadows Fall best work I have heard. The melody contained in this track is something special and something worth head banging to. As with Shadows Fall songs, a solo will come in near mid song and the one within this song is purely wicked.

“Stormwinds” is one of my favorites on this album. The music at the start is nothing but sweet. The way everything is written on this track makes it one of the best. “Another Hero Lost” is a change of pace with its acoustic beginning. The whole song is slow tempoed which again, is a change for things but even though this song is slower than the others, it still fits in.

“Failure of Devout” starts out pretty unexpected but quickly turns heavy and then flat out destroys for the rest of the song. This is easily one of the most brutal songs on the album. Even better is mid song. You will know what I am talking about when you hear it; it’s great. “Burning the Live” shows off some nice singing and the song has a smooth guitar tone. “Dread Uprising” showcases a nice drumming break down during the song.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
I love 2004’s War Within. The next put out (Fallout from the War) was just songs that didn’t make War Within, so it wasn’t all that great. Three years later here we are; Threads of Life. This album is easily guitar driven, anyone can tell that and it’s pretty much what SF is known for. They have very talented guitarists, though don’t get me wrong because everyone else in the band is talented as well but I am very impressed with the guitar work on all of SF albums. Seeing as I loved an older album, there is always that question of “will this one be any good?”.

You never know how things can turn it, even if the one before was great, the next one could be a disaster. Thankfully, that is not the case with Threads of Life. Everything on this record is balanced and flows beautifully. Every track fits and it feels as though every track was meant to be on there. There are no ‘filler’ tracks as they are called. From start to finish this record is stunning.

Did You Know?
Shadows Fall is rumored to be on this years Sounds of the Underground tour.

Rating: out of 5

--Derek Carey