My
first acquaitance with this Russian band is a very pleasant one. They already
started in 1993 and this is their fifth full length. From start to finish it is
like being back in the nineties. It all sounds so familiar and recognizable, but
with a very modern production. Sometimes that is a big problem because it lacks
originality, but not with this album. I indeed don't think there will be a lot
of original riffs, notes or rhymns on this album, but it all sounds so nice.
The
songs are based on music bands like early Artillery, Testament, Forbidden and
Metallica used to play, but Shadow Host also adds some power metal parts, like
for example in "Divide and Rule" where Blind Guardian influences lay on top.
Their vocalist Alexey Markov sounds a bit like a mix of Hansi and Chuck and has
a perfect voice for this style of music. One of my personal favorites is "Blinded
By Greed", with gang-shouting and riffs that could have been written by
Artillery. The album is one big riff attack from start to finish, only the
ballad "Seeds of Sorrow" gives you some rest.
If
bands like Evile, Warbringer and all the other so called new wave of thrash
bands are gaining popularity, I'm sure that this Shadow Host will follow if they
get the right promotion. I dare to say that this album is even better than most
of the new albums by these bands. Especially Artillery fans should CHECK THIS
OUT! For me this is the unexpected surprise of this year so far.
