Shadows Fall - Threads of Life (CD)

"Threads of Life" Hangs On By More Than A Thread

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Apr 5, 2007

Pros: The sound is very reminiscent of "The Art of Balance"

Cons: While the sound is as hard as before, there is a sense of it being less raw than before.

The men of Shadows Fall have returned with an impressive fifth studio release in "The Threads of Life." The album (which is also their 6th overall and first for a major label) is an impressive return to form, after the release of their rath...er lackluster 2004 release, "The War Within." This release immediately strikes fans as being very familiar. Longtime fans will be able to note just how similar this record sounds to their 2002 breakout abum, "The Art of Balance." The guitars are just as shredding throughout the record. And the drums and vocals are just as powerful. One of the interesting points that sets this album apart from the aforementioned release is that they have included a semi-acoustic piece and a fully acoustic one, as well; yes, acoustic. "Venomous" and the entirely acousitc, "The Great Collapse" are a far cry from what fans of Shadows Fall are accustomed to. That aside, it is interesting to hear vocalist Brian Fair actually singing on "Venomous." It is something that listeners can't help but listen to, afer being so used to hearing him screaming in every song. It is a welcome change of pace for a moment. While this record is a definitely positive sign for the current state of heavy music in America, one can only wonder. Now that another one of the underground's most well known and respected bands has signed with a major label, how long will it be before they finally succumb to the pressure of label reps? There has been a rash of bands leaving well known labels in recent years due to pressure to conform and put out a certain sound. And there is a little bit of that in this album, too. While the sound is true old school Shadows Fall, there is a certain something that seems different. The album seems less raw than its predecessors, despite the band even bringing back longtime friend and producer Zeuss. That aside, this is still an impressive record from not only one of the best New England Metal bands, but one of the best metal bands currently in the industry. Read more Less