Shadowland - traditional heavy metal from the U.S.

Shadowland

The Necromancers Castle

No Remorse Records

October 22nd, 2021

Beginning in 2018 New York City's traditionalists Shadowland have been working in defense of big-riff, melodic, headbanging classic sounds. With only a demo and an EP to their name previously, their newest work is the full-length (eight songs in 38 minutes). They call themselves "English heavy metal" and it’s true/classic heavy metal. Shadowland is not far removed from classic Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon and that general style. The songwriting and musicianship demonstrate a skilled interpretation of the classics as contemporary-classic heavy metal. It’s easy to see that they have worked to make music that is immediately recognizable. The singing is melodic, in the mid-to-upper register, without venturing a lot into the air raid siren territory. There is a strength to the voice, a certain control to it, that makes it easy and comfortable for the listener. Overall, a fun, cool debut album. Recommendation: Begin with the third song “Walking in Shadows,” as it shows the voice, the guitar melodies, and the rhythm section in such a good light (in addition, the band’s lyrics are at their best on a song like this, where ominous love comes across very well), although the entire album is good to go, and perhaps the first song is not the most representative of their classic-rock heavy metal sound. FYI, there seems to be some profanity on the songs, so you’ll need to decide about that matter.

The Necromancer's Castle by Shadowland

https://www.facebook.com/Shadowland-NYC-112877170138172