The Finnish hybrid metal group Shade Empire's released their third album Zero Nexus last month, and as before, their multi-faceted approach to songwriting surely keeps the listener intrigued for repeated listens. However, this time Shade Empire's music has gotten more operatic feel to it and also resides to lighter shades of tone. At times the material is indeed very apposite and tasteful, but every now and then the industrial-tinged effects bring out some bad qualities of the mastering (too much highs). Furthermore few less catchy riffs have accidentally found their way to this record as well.

As a whole, Zero Nexus is a bit unfocused record - it has its moments of splendor, but unfortunately that side gets contradicted by less fruitful choices regarding the song structure. The brighter moments, however, showcase how much potential this group really has. Overall, this record is rather entertaining listening experience and should please most fans of the melodic black metal genre.

Buy this release from Amazon

Visit Artist's Website


- MAGE (April 22nd, 2008)



"9 in 1" video:

« back

LINE-UP:
Harju, Juha: Vocals Niiranen, Janne: Guitars Sirkkiä, Juha: Guitars Mantere, Eero: Bass Rasane: Drums Savolainen, Olli: Synths with Lisitsin, Petra: Vocals Koponen, Jorma: Tenor Vocals Wilson, Graham: Male Speech on "Victory" Kolari, Aku: Saxophone
Producer:	Holopainen, Tero & Shade Empire
Mixing by:	SN Audio Productions
Mastering by:	Forsbäck, Svante

	TRACKLIST:
	01. 9 in 1 02. Adam & Eve 03. Blood Colours the White 04. Flesh Relinquished 05. Harvesters of Death 06. Serpent-Angel 07. Whisper from the Depths 08. Ecstasy of Black Light 09. Victory Length: 44:43