Title: Sinthetic Artist: Shade Empire Label:Magick Records Release Date: 2/15/05 Rating: 2 Skulls
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Reviewed by Behemoth (3/17/06):
This week it's an interesting disc via Magick Records which is on a tear these days. Shade Empire, a Finnish brood, delivers a synthetic approach to their music copying the likes of the European based Dimmu Borgir sound; although their shameless keyboards unfortunately drag the music below. Now don't get me wrong, this is a very well-produced, listenable record of note. However, there's nothing groundbreaking to report. Lyrically speaking we have the usual subjects, a little "Conjuration," "Extreme Form of Hatred," "Demonized," well you get the picture. The record title is obviously a play on words Sinthetic; you know, sin - get it? The band also has neatly categorized themselves into three categories, the Unholy Twins (vocals & synthetics), The Incubators (Drums & Bass), and of course The Fallen Angels (twin guitar act),

Overall, Shade Empire has managed to produce an entertaining album with well placed melody lines and dark musical structures. This is certainly not Black Metal, more closely linked to, say, Limbonic Art. Musically speaking, the twin guitar act is showcased throughout but generally lacks power due to suppression by the electronic gadgetry. The drumming passages are pronounced and furious but buried deeply as well. The vocals are a standard death metal style, and include a guest performance by a member of Nightwish (oh boy). The band has come up with a good effort, but not awfully memorable. The talent is obviously there and we of course wish them well. But, let's hope that this is not the new age of melodic death metal, because there's no quarter.

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