A band that have become good friends with Overtone, Shadow Smile, are set to release their debut album in a couple of days time. Being a big fan of the band since first seeing them last year, as well as hearing a couple of the tracks live already, I am super excited to be checking this out. A mainstay in the NWOCR scene these days, even though they’re a little heavier than most in it, Shadow Smile will have a huge future if they nail this release. So, let’s see what it’s like!
The extended intro track, ‘Se7en’, is the perfect setup for the album. It sets up the mood and premise for the album in little over a minute, as well as building phenomenally. Plus, it’s a nod to one of the greatest films of all time, so win win!
Lead single and title track of the album, and a track that I have barely gotten the chorus out of my head after I first heard it months ago, is up first. Right from the catchy vocals of the chorus to open, it hooks you in and doesn’t let go until the end. From the heavier edge of the huge riffing and the odd scream scatted through to the melodic, almost metalcore feel throughout the rest, it’s a track dying to be played in arenas across the room. It’s been on our playlist for months after I did a reaction to the track, which I’ll drop a link to below. What a fantastic choice to start an album with!
Up next is another single, ‘Hellbound Heart’. Again, it is catchy right from the get go thanks to the hook of the ‘ooooh’s. Once again the ch0nky riffs bring back the heaviness, and everything works so well together. I LOVE the tone of Connor’s vocals too; from the cleans to the harsher screams, both sound perfectly with the track behind them. The breakdown riff with the incredibly technical guitar solo over the top was also a massive highlight of the track. The entire composition of the track, heck, the entire album, is amazing. Everything feels massive and all the little touches like the intro track or the ‘oooh’s or the subtle keys or even certain mixing choices feel deliberate and so well placed. Another great track!
‘Our Morality’ opens on a riff and sound straight out of early Killswitch or BFMV. I love it. The heaviness almost lends itself to melodeath before cleaning up into another huge, infectiously catchy chorus. As much as I love the more Avenged style of the previous tracks, I love the band mixing it up and throwing us a heavy track, especially this early in the album. I can’t wait to hear the NWOCR crowd’s reaction to the track, too…! This is an incredible track and easily will make the playlist come Friday when it’s out!
After another short piano interlude track, the band explode into the marching band-like intro of ‘Before Every Fall’. It builds up perfectly through the intro, verse and pre into a now typically massive, arena-filling chorus. The bridge and breakdown are heavy and great. However, I have to admit, it’s the first track on the album that didn’t immediately hook me in fully. It’s a great song, for sure, but it’s missing something that the others had. Still, this is my first listen, and it’ll no doubt grow on me more and more!
‘Take What You Can’ opens on a great string section, giving off power metal vibes and actually fits in great with the Pirates of the Caribbean movies they are referencing! The riff fits perfectly over the top with the same melody, and everything through the verse works amazingly. Shadow Smile skirt between metal and hard rock perfectly, straddling the line on multiple occasions throughout the track. It’s very Avenged Sevenfold in the best ways. The duelling clean and harsh vocals in the chorus is a highlight of the track for sure. It’s another fantastic track that I cannot get enough of!
I LOVE when a track runs into the next, and the note being held heading into ‘The Devil Makes Work for Idle Hands’ is no exception. Said track is an interesting one, too. Everything suddenly comes in all at once, giving off heavy Deftones vibes. While still maintaining the heaviness and great melodies, it adds a whole new layer to it all and sounds completely different. the track still has the huge chorus, but outside of that it channels more of a 90s industrial/nu metal feel. It keeps things interesting this deep into the album, which not a lot of bands can do these days! It also has a darker, sludgier feel to it which I love.
Another interlude track leads us again perfectly into ‘The World is in My Way’. Said track is the slower, ballad of the album. It again has a different feel, reminding me more of an 80s synth kinda feel. Think a mix of Depeche Mode and Billy Idol. It’s a really interesting choice, especially this late into things, but it pays off big time. It’s a fantastic track, and a fitting ballad for the rest of the album. It shows how much range the band have too. It’s something completely different to the rest of the album while still sounding wholly Shadow Smile. Also, that guitar solo is fantastic.
Then we reach the most recent single and closing track, ‘Suck the World Dry’. This is another track I’ve been obsessed with since its release. Not only does it sound like Shadow Smile crossed with Wednesday 13, one of my favourite metal artists, but it has a fucking saxophone in it! And any long-time readers here will know how much I love me a sax. It’s a damn sexy sax solo, too. Also, the lyrics here are my favourite from the album. It’s the most obvious sin they explore, greed, but it’s if anything our most pressing issue as a society these days. The emotion and anger behind the vocals are apparent. It’s a great choice for a single and a great choice for a closing track. Playlisted!
Overall: This was amazing. Having been a fan of the band for a little while now, my own anticipation for this release was pretty high. Still, Shadow Smile surpass it with ease. Not only is it a damn impressive collection of tracks, but it’s a thought-provoking concept album that all ties together perfectly. The word masterpiece is thrown around maybe a little too often these days, but I’ll be damned if this isn’t in that conversation. This will be on heavy rotation for me for months to come, I’m sure. The guys have put out on of the best debut albums I’ve ever heard. I can’t wait to hear it live at their launch next month!
The Score: 10/10