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SHADOWSIDE
Shades Of Humanity
EMP Label Group

Since their inception back in 2001 with their hard-fused sound of both traditional and power metal, Sao Paulo, Brazil-based quartet SHADOWSIDE have become a quick-rising name in the international metal scene. It’s not hard to see why as the grandiose voice of frontwoman/keyboardist/founder Dani Nolden has chanted about many topics which few people tend to associate with the often fantasy-laden world of over the top power/progressive metal. Even on the band’s fourth album Shades Of Humanity, featuring former HAMMERFALL/JORN bassist Magnus Rosen, SHADOWSIDE have addressed a wide range of challenging topics ranging from depression to abortion and even the wanton environmental destruction of the planet’s ecosystem - in this case, the deadly 2015 dam breach in the Brazilian province of Mariana as recounted in the track “Stream Of Shame”.

That said, there’s more to SHADOWSIDE than them simply being a metal band with a talented frontwoman whose lyrical topic matter addresses issues more comparable towards Bono than Joey DeMaio. Dani Nolden is clearly an entertainer first, preferring to use her music and her voice to have the greater impact as a catalyst for change rather than having to preach. Her vocal prowess on tracks such as “Alive” and “Beast Inside” in particular highlight her impassioned yet powerfully melodic tone. Her bandmates aren’t no slouch either when in front of the mic; Magnus Rosen and guitarist Raphael Mattos can deliver some fiery backing vocals, particularly in “Beast Inside” and the melodically haunting number “Drifter”. Finally, the dual production magic of Fredrik Nordstrom (ARCH ENEMY, HAMMERFALL, EVERGREY, IN FLAMES, DREAM EVIL) and Henrik Udd (ARCHITECTS, DIMMU BORGIR, BRING ME THE HORIZON) bring out the band’s most energetic and spontaneous performances to date.

SHADOWSIDE, like any other band under pressure to deliver that landmark album that will propel them towards greater realms of success, have faced their set of highs and lows in attempting to measure up to many of their peers. And, indeed, as the cover design on the album conceived and penned by Douglas Jen depicts, Shades Of Humanity reflects a band committed to pushing itself as it addresses its shortcomings. And there’s nothing more human than that.

4.5 Out Of 5.0

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