Manimal: Trapped In The Shadows

Hailing from the Metal capitol of the world, Gothenburg, Sweden, is the Metal band Manimal who are more on the traditional/Power Metal tip than much of their Swede contemporaries making up the Gothenburg scene these days. Their new album, Trapped In The Shadows (AFM Records) is a spirited fueled effort that is filled with equal parts of memorable choruses and crushing guitar riffing all spearheaded with excellent soaring vocals.

Trapped In The Shadows is Manimal's 2nd full length starts off with the powerful and go for the throat riffing of "Irresistible". Fans of Judas Priest's Rob Halford's solo band, Halford, are in for a treat. Vocalist Samuel Nyman completely nails the solo styled Halford vocals on this one and it is impossible to not take notice and with the strong and catchy chorus and strong vocal melody this is killer way to start a record. Fast, manic and unrelenting, now that's how a Metal album is supposed to begin. The second track, "March of Madness" doesn't let go of the hold that Manimal has on you either. More of the same mix of power, melody and great vocals, these guys are off to a fast start with this release.

Trapped In The Shadows also features a guest vocal spot by Metal legend, Udo (ex.Accept/current U.D.O.) on the song, "The Journey". Udo's legendary barbed wire vocals are a treat and are a great contrast with Nyman's higher register stylings. "The Journey" is a mid paced track that takes you on a bit of a...well...a journey.

The musicianship and production are both great throughout Trapped In The Shadows, but the standout performance belongs to vocalist Samuel Nyman. He really uses is vocals as an instrument and his performance on this record is right there with the exploits on a Painkiller or solo Halford record and also within the realm of the uber power that is a Tim "Ripper" Owens. If you asked me, I think Nyman is more in the "Ripper" category and gets up into those higher, soaring rants like "Ripper" does. He's awesome!

With songs like "The Dark", "Invincible" and the title track "Trapped In The Shadows", Manimal have dropped a Metal gem for your headbanging pleasure. Fans of the heavier side of Queensryche, Priest or Primal Fear will instantly be at home with this record. With big melodic hooks, great guitar riffing and those glorious, glorious vocals, Manimal's Trapped In The Shadows is a kick ass album...period!

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!

Tracklist:
1. Irresistible
2. March Of Madness
3. The Dark
4. Trapped In The Shadows
5. Invincible
6. Man Made Devil
7. Silent Messiah
8. The Journey (featuring Udo Dirkschneider)
9. Screaming Out
10. Psychopomp

Added: January 9th 2016
Reviewer: Butch Jones
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
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Language: english

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