Given the massive success of melodic death metal bands like Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, Dark Tranquility or In Flames in the land of the rising sun, the probability that sooner or later one Japanese band will play that kind of metal style was big. And the winner is : Shadow !

This band comes from Osaka and if you don't have access to the photos or their storyboard, you would have bet a fortune this guys are coming from Sweden. This album is full of catchy and vicious guitars, but At The Gates has written this music a long time ago (don't forget that this band has created alone that metal style and bands like Arch Enemy, Dark Tanquility or In Flames have just followed the wide open gate).

Overall interesting, good and very melodic. The performence from the vocalist, who shout like a Swedish guy, is really excellent. However, this is not original for a dime. If you like Arch Enemy or early In Flames (no comparison with their last record), you will certainly appreciate this one. Production wise I am a bit unhappy with the sound of the drum and I think the prod' could have been a little bit better, especially the mixing part.

If you like this type of metal, you should really check this one, but even though Shadow makes a nice start ... don't expect miracles ;-)