Shadows Fall - Fallout From The War
What an aptly named album title. "Fallout From The War" is really just a contract filler. Since this is the last album to be released under their Century Media contract before they go on to the major labels, this album serves basically as a collection of B-sides and material that did not make it onto the last album. And in no way am I saying that is a bad thing. This is actually quite a good collection, for being throw away tracks. The band have now officially perfected their blend of metalcore and traditional metal influences. This is just one of those bands when all of the parts are put together, they work like a well oiled machine. Tracks that really stand out for me are the first single, and the first track, "In Effigy", which is just another great Shadows Fall song that is definitely worthy of being included here. Catchy, groovy, and technical as all hell. Jason Bittner's drums sound loud and thundering, and bring such a technical aspect to the music, and in a way, help define the bands sound completely. No wonder he has been getting a lot of accolades for his drumming abilities. "Haunting Me Endlessly" is definitely influenced by years of listening to some high quality death metal, and the last 20 seconds of the song really has a great breakdown.
I'm glad they decided to include "Deadworld" as a B-side. This is absolutely one of my favorite songs by Shadows Fall. Even though it has been released before, it is still good to hear it on this collection, especially for the newer fans out there who haven't had a chance to hear the track. Throw in a few cover songs, because what compilation is complete without them, including a cover of Dangerous Toys "Teasn' Pleasn'" that actually features original vocalist Jason McMaster on the track, and you get the closing to the whole shebang.
I've said it since the beginning of their career, and I'll say it again, these guys deserve all the respect and success they can get. Thanks to Century Media, the band gets a fitting send off from their former record label. Not just a release for the hardcore fan, unlike most of the other albums like this that are released, "Fallout From The War" is a worthy addition to your Shadows Fall collection, and in all reality, for any metal fan to add to their metal collection.
7/10
Evil C.
What an aptly named album title. "Fallout From The War" is really just a contract filler. Since this is the last album to be released under their Century Media contract before they go on to the major labels, this album serves basically as a collection of B-sides and material that did not make it onto the last album. And in no way am I saying that is a bad thing. This is actually quite a good collection, for being throw away tracks. The band have now officially perfected their blend of metalcore and traditional metal influences. This is just one of those bands when all of the parts are put together, they work like a well oiled machine. Tracks that really stand out for me are the first single, and the first track, "In Effigy", which is just another great Shadows Fall song that is definitely worthy of being included here. Catchy, groovy, and technical as all hell. Jason Bittner's drums sound loud and thundering, and bring such a technical aspect to the music, and in a way, help define the bands sound completely. No wonder he has been getting a lot of accolades for his drumming abilities. "Haunting Me Endlessly" is definitely influenced by years of listening to some high quality death metal, and the last 20 seconds of the song really has a great breakdown.
I'm glad they decided to include "Deadworld" as a B-side. This is absolutely one of my favorite songs by Shadows Fall. Even though it has been released before, it is still good to hear it on this collection, especially for the newer fans out there who haven't had a chance to hear the track. Throw in a few cover songs, because what compilation is complete without them, including a cover of Dangerous Toys "Teasn' Pleasn'" that actually features original vocalist Jason McMaster on the track, and you get the closing to the whole shebang.
I've said it since the beginning of their career, and I'll say it again, these guys deserve all the respect and success they can get. Thanks to Century Media, the band gets a fitting send off from their former record label. Not just a release for the hardcore fan, unlike most of the other albums like this that are released, "Fallout From The War" is a worthy addition to your Shadows Fall collection, and in all reality, for any metal fan to add to their metal collection.
7/10
Evil C.
