Shade Empire: Zero Nexus

Perhaps as a way to help classify the sound of Finnish band Shade Empire's latest release Zero Nexus; their label Dynamic Arts Records has billed them as something called "Hybrid Metal". While not one to put much credence in musical labels, I'd have to agree that in this case the description is fairly accurate because Zero Nexus is successful for the very reason that it manages to encompass more than one style which should appease fans of industrial, melodic death metal, and symphonic metal. Ok, so much for categorizations.

The organic and electronic approach is executed perfectly as the pummeling blast beats explode with a devastating amount of sonic brutality, while ferocious guitar patterns share the mix equally with layers of shimmering synths, over an ever so subtle splashing of various electronic sounds. The vocal work of lead belter Juha Harju is the real treat here though as he employs several different methods that range from clean vocals, death metal like growls, to sections that are almost reminiscent of Tom Fischer's 'tragic' style on the track "Flesh Relinquished". If you want to talk about a young band that isn't afraid to take risks with their music look no further than the last track, the epic nine minute "Victory" which comes complete with a real choir and a sax solo!! This track has to be considered the crown jewel musically thus far in Shade Empire's relatively short career.

With Zero Nexus being only their third album, Shade Empire has demonstrated an impressive amount of musical maturity by crafting nine diverse sounding and well produced compositions that sound fresh and exciting. Trust me there isn't one minute of filler on this one and Shade Empire is certainly a band to keep a close eye on from this point forward.

Track Listing
1) 9 In 1
2) Adam & Eve
3) Blood Colours The White
4) Flesh Relinquished
5) Harvesters Of Death
6) Serpent - Angel
7) Whisper From The Depths
8) Ecstasy Of Black Death
9) Victory

Added: December 26th 2008
Reviewer: Ryan Sparks
Score:
Related Link: Dynamic Arts Records
Hits: 3546
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]