New Atlantis is the debut recording of the German five piece technical death metal group Shattered, who have successfully unveiled their metal fury. Shattered's metal is modern, progressive and with a melodic edge as the band shows they are up to the task of performing such demanding music. As such there is quite a lot on here to digest so multiple listens are required to truly appreciate their efforts. I should mention that Aborted vocalist Sven DeCaluwe guests on the album along with guitar wizard Christian Munzner (Solo artist, Ex Necrophagist, Ex Obscura).
Shattered haven't skimped on the content, there are fourteen tracks all up on New Atlantis, and thanks to accessibility of those songs this talented new band's complex and punishing metal keeps you hooked. Vocally Shattered's aggressive style varies like say Psycroptic one of Shattered's influences, along with Beyond Creation, Decrepit Birth, The Faceless, , Vile, , Fallujah and Origin, Spawn of Possession. I really like the way that the keyboard driven music leads into "Bipolar Disorder" and as the express guitar work and ballistic drumming cuts in well I suppose you could say that Shattered "shatters" that somewhat peaceful feel. There are many tracks of note including Shattered's intricate instrumental "Trapped In Everlasting Dreams" a clever track that does seem to cut off too soon, though I am partial to these types of songs.
If you are a fan of technical death metal groups such as Psycroptic, Obscura or just the metal sub-genre in general then I do suggest that you give this band a try.
Track Listing
1. Bipolar Disorder
2. Ignite The Dawnshard
3. Into The Shattering
4. Despise The Living
5. Ancient
6. The Fall Of Hyperion
7. Trapped In Everlasting Dreams
8. The Grid
9. The Orbits Around
10. Into Archadia
11. As Atlas Reached The Stars
12. Nereids
13. From Distant Shores
14. Amnesia