CD REVIEW: APOCALYPTICA – Shadowmaker

Label: Better Noise / ESMG

Release Date: April 21, 2015

Rating: 9/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Rock and metal without a guitar or bass?  Why, yes please – especially if it is those masters of cello, Apocapylptica.  “I-III-V Seed Of Chaos” opens the disc and sets the mood for the rest of the tracks.  Debut single and video from the disc, “Cold Blood” is a killer track that grabs the attention, shakes the soul, and forces you to listen to the rest of the disc.  The power of the vocals and drums are enhanced by trio of cellos.  “Slow Burn” is another cool rock song that takes the cello vibe this band has perfected and adds the vocals of Franky Perez to create a moody rocker that keeps the listener engaged.  “Hole In My Soul” is a lyrically intense track that builds from the drums and percussion of Mikko Sirén and nicely blends the cello and vocals to create a beautiful ballad.  “Riot Lights” has a fierce tempo that gives a sense of urgency to the track, compliments of the rapid fire cello, the rhythmic percussion, and the different sounds added for effect.  “Sea Song (You Waded Out)” is a moodier track that leans on a heavy bottom end and the contrasting vocals that climb some of the higher registers.

Title track “Shadowmaker” comes through the speakers with a mellow opening that kicks into gear at the verse and then revs over the top at the chorus and bridge.  “Reign Of Fear” is a cool instrumental that works off of the powerful and intense playing of cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lötjönen, and Perttu Kivilaakso.  “House Of Chains” opens with a heavier modern rock vocal that quickly morphs into a cool hard rock sound very reminiscent of other vocal tracks from the bands catalog.  The consistency of vocals from track to track helps this disc stand out.  “Come Back Down” has a sexy groove highlighted by killer drums and vocals that are wrapped in a cool cello sound that helps you forget how important a guitar may be to other bands and their sound.  The vocals blend different styles, but it works within the framework of this track.  “Til Death Do Us Part” is a cool instrumental combination of everything Apocalyptica has done right from day one: layered sounds of orchestral arrangements and killer rock style compositions.  “Dead Man’s Eyes” continues the heavier orchestral sound of the previous track, but closes the disc out with the a melancholy and reflective vocal that magnifies the mood of the cello.  The drums kick in and build a solid foundation for the song.

TRACKLIST: I-III-V Seed of Chaos – Cold Blood – Shadowmaker – Slow Burn – Reign Of Fear – Hole In My Soul – House Of Chains – Riot Lights – Come Back Down – Sea Song (You Waded Out) – Til Death Do Us Part – Dead Man’s Eyes

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Category: CD Reviews