Shadows Fall-Retribution

Last Updated (Thursday, 17 June 2010 19:28) Written by Miguel Blardony Monday, 14 June 2010 15:31

Release Date: September 15, 2009

Label: Everblack Industries/Ferret Music

Genre: Thrash

Rating: 7/10

Comments: NWOAHM stalwarts exact vengeance on fifth album.

If judged by talent and ability alone, Shadows Fall should be the most powerful, most popular, and most influential band in North America today. Their blend of old school thrash, skull cracking heaviness, melody, songwriting flair, and those love ‘em or hate ‘em hardcore vocals from metal’s unofficial dreadlock ambassador, Brian Fair, sums up a force to be reckoned with. In fact, a few years ago—say 2004 or 2005, the Shads were poised for world domination until they bailed on Century media, got signed by a major, and ironically enough, suffered a dip in popularity. Ah the music business, what an unpredictable beast you are. Concerning Mr. Fair’s locks one moment, having had the pleasure of shaking his hand on the night prior to their second headlining gig here in the Philippines, this writer can attest to the authenticity of Brian’s dreads. Oh yeah, he seemed a down-to-earth chap too.

Enough hair now, and let’s discuss the music at hand. “Retribution” is no departure from what Shadows Fall have done before. Every single flourish they’ve incorporated one ach of their last four albums can be heard here, be it acoustic instrumentals, mid-tempo anthems, furious thrash tunes, and the kind of compelling breakdowns that have lopped these guys along with the metalcore crowd. But truthfully, there’s little ‘core’ anywhere on this album, as the songs here prefer to swing between straight up thrash—“My Demise” and “A Public Execution”—to less intense numbers where the band stretch their heavy metal wings, like the odiously empowering “The Taste of Fear.” Yet for all their above par musicianship that has set the quintet apart from their peers—percussionist Jason Bittner alone sounds his best shape ever—Shadows Fall songwriting has taken a step backward. Gone is the poetry of their old albums, replaced by the usual ruminations on negative feelings and (gulp!) clichés. Having Randy Blythe scream a little at “King of Nothing” barely helps. Worse, they seem to be going through the motions musically, i.e. “War” and quite memorable “Still I Rise.”

The ultimate example of a solid album, those who still care about where this band is heading will fervently wish these guys do BETTER next time.