Artist: Shadows Fall
Label: Century Media
Release Date: 9/17/02
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Title: The Art of Balance Artist: Shadows Fall Label: Century Media Release Date: 9/17/02 |
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Abyss's Review:
There is no doubt that this is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. With all of the acclaims that Of One Blood received, the pressure to deliver on their next effort really mounted. Now, we all know that this band was recently featured on a little blurb on MTV, so subconsciously we are all probably thinking that this might be the record that makes metal's presence known to legions of ignorant kids. Cause let's face it, if MTV tells them it's cool, then they'll buy it in droves (Come on, you don't think all those little sheep liked Limp Bizkit for the music do you?). It's safe to say that if they do get more widespread recognition than just our overly judgmental metal clique, the cries of sellout will be heard far and wide no matter what the record sounds like. And I bring up these scenarios because it might very well happen.
"The album is more accessible than their last, and is much more reliant on its melodic hook." It is evident that Shadows Fall streamlined this album in an effort to expand their fan base. The album is more accessible than their last, and is much more reliant on its melodic hook. This isn't to say they've changed their sound much, they've just polished it up. This album is remarkably old school, complete with ballads and solos galore, and it seems it was made with a very 80s thrash mentality. In this respect it can sound a little dated or quite refreshing, depending on your point of view.
Style and direction aside, the most obvious characteristic of this album is how meticulous it is. The whole piece reeks of effort and purpose. It's also remarkable how well crafted the songs are. Every song shows an ability to invigorate. They are the type of songs that you simply can't help but for to sing along and play air guitar. Repeated listenings just add to the experience and increase the appreciation for these guys' talent.
"Fans of the last record should devour this one as well, just be aware that it leaves a sweeter aftertaste." The only downside to this album is the inclusion of a cover; Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine". Not that it's bad, it's just that pretty much all covers are worthless (on record anyway, live is another story). It's not much different than the original, and there's no doubt that we'd rather have had an additional original song.
There is no way around the fact that this is a very good album. Fans of the last record should devour this one as well, just be aware that it leaves a sweeter aftertaste. One word review: Awesome.
Death's Review:
Shadows Fall fucking rule. Their new album, The Art of Balance, reflects a maturing outfit making all of the right choices on the way to producing what some day might be thought of by some as a classic record in the annals of metal history. It really is good enough to justify entering into such discussions, improving dramatically on the awesome Of One Blood Century Media debut that preceded it. While I ultimately don't think Shadows Fall has arrived in Master of Puppets territory just yet, I still think this effort deserves 5 blazing skulls and two horns up.
"Shadows Fall have grown by leaps and bounds, primarily by becoming more metal than ever before." Here's why:
You see, many of metal's classic bands seem to have chosen to follow up their breakthrough records by exhibiting what they will invariably refer to at the time as "growth" or "maturity," yet which fans ultimately perceive as a lesser record. Some may levy a similar accusation at Shadows Fall here, simply because they think the The Art of Balance is not as heavy as Of One Blood. This probably true (notwithstanding the pit-inducing chaos of tracks like "Standing Outside the Circle") but The Art of Balance is by no means anything even close to a "lesser album" by any stretch of the imagination. Rather, Shadows Fall have grown by leaps and bounds, primarily by becoming more metal than ever before. And that, in my humble opinion, is a sentiment worth rewarding.Remember the day, not so long ago, when bands were afraid of being metal, going to great pains to avoid the commercial black mark of the "metal" designation at all costs? Well, we sure have come a long way. Now, bands like Shadows Fall that could easily choose to emphasize the once hipper "hardcore" side of their sound (or at least the arguably more exotic Gothenburg elements) instead have focused upon delivering a straight-up, old-school style, white trash, "cans 'o beer metal" record, in the vein of Pantera, Metallica or Testament in their primes. "Cemetery Gates" -style ballads rest side side-by-side with catchy choruses and thrashy riffs on The Art of Balance, collectively reminiscent of a bygone era when metal albums felt timeless and when the best examples of the genre (Reign in Blood, Master of Puppets) sat upon pedestals never to be touched or surpassed. Sure, it is an exaggeration to compare The Art of Balance with such lofty classics, but the sentiment is clearly there and a similar classic metal feeling permeates the record through every track.
Musically, the addition of Jason Bittner (ex-Stigmata) on the drums has done as much for Shadows Fall as anything, with his awesome double-cannon attack standing out from the album's opening riff. Bittner's style brings Shadows Fall to new heights of musicianship and classic metal integrity. Also, lead guitar player Jonathan Donais absolutely shreds all over this record, with blistering and expressive soloing which approaches the mighty Dimebag Darrell (Pantera) in terms of creativity and tone while displaying control and dexterity at every turn. Finally, lead vocalist Brian Fair has obviously worked to improve his clean vocals, adding new dimensions of musicality to the mix even if his voice still is rather limited when held up against some of the heavy metal greats whose comparison this song styling begs. Still, Fair is the perfect front man for Shadows Fall, particularly in the live setting, and so any mild shortcoming he many possess in his vocal range is more than made up for by his passion, integrity, aggressiveness and true love of true and classic heavy metal which is more than apparent throughout this release.
"Lead vocalist Brian Fair has obviously worked to improve his clean vocals." A particular mention of the album's closing cover of Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine" is also due. This version is simply amazing, and if ever there was a Shadows Fall track which could find its way onto mainstream radio, this is surely the ticket. While I'm usually not one much for covers, Shadows Fall truly takes this awesome mood piece and makes it its own, bringing a crunching guitar and a metal feel to the fore without losing one bit of the essence that made the song such a wonderful and almost frighteningly honest and introspective moment on Floyd's Wish You Were Here record. I surely hope Century Media releases this as a single, perhaps makes a video, and lets the world use this as the gateway drug they should: a window into the power of Shadows Fall through the veneer of the more commercially palatable Pink Floyd cover. It's a great version of a great song, and the band is to be commended for delivering one of the most successful Pink Floyd covers I have ever heard.
In the end, while Shadows Fall may indeed fall short of achieving metal history, they are well on their way to greatness and have made all the choices on the way to achieving such a delicate and . . . artful balance. Reward them for taking a step away from hardcore and a giant leap toward old school metal by supporting this amazing new release.
Hel's Review:
Favorite tracks: "Thoughts Without Words" & "The Idiot Box."It seems like it has been ages since Of One Blood came out, and I, for one, was damn good and ready for some new Shadows Fall material. The Art of Balance is just what the doctor ordered.
Those who are regular readers of my reviews know that I loathe making comparisons between new and old releases, and this case is no exception. Pretty much the only time I feel it is absolutely necessary to pull out this card is if the new album took a nosedive in quality or something of that nature. I do not believe that to be the case here.
"The Art of Balance is just what the doctor ordered." But, for those who feel it is necessary: the most noticeable difference, to me, is that the songs seem to be overall more melodic and less hardcore than in the past. I consider this a good thing, as you probably know, I have never been ambiguous regarding my feelings towards that particular genre.
"The band has given no quarter with this new album - while it is indeed melodic and catchy, it is metal as fuck, and don't you forget it." Perhaps it was just the right time in my life for this record, maybe I needed something to sing along to that sticks in my head. This album accomplishes this in spades, and I find I have not been able to get enough of it. And their version of "Welcome to the Machine" is a rare example of a cover that may even sound better than the original.
The one thing that I feel needs to be made abundantly clear is that the band has given no quarter with this new album - while it is indeed melodic and catchy, it is metal as fuck, and don't you forget it. Single out the individual instruments and listen to each performance if you don't believe me.
Shadows Fall selected a most appropriate title for this new release - they have indeed found a perfect balance of melody and ravaging riffs that just about anyone can enjoy. If you feel the need to harp on the fact that it may be more accessible than their past releases, then do so, but realize that you're just spewing negativity - this is a fantastic release no matter how you slice it.
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