Bringer of Revenge

Russia is a big country which has produced many metal bands of all genres, however a lot of them are unknown to many as only a handful really make a large impact worldwide. One such band that definitely has the potential for worldwide success is the fairly unknown and underrated Shadow Host, a power metal band from Moscow, who has been around for almost 20 years and every one of them an uphill battle.

Formed in 1993 by guitarist Alexey Arzamazov (who also happens to be the only remaining member), Shadow Host released two demos in 1994 and 1996, before their debut album ‘Twilight Legend’ was released independently in 1997. Two years later, Shadow Host released an EP ‘Downfall’ in 1999, again independently. Finally in around 2000, Shadow Host were picked up by a local Russian label Valiant Music, subsequently releasing the band’s sophomore effort ‘Neverland’ in 2002 to some positive reviews (‘Neverland’ was basically a reworking of the ‘Twilight Legend’ album, but with 3 extra tracks included).

Unfortunately Valiant Music did not last very long and went bust, and just like that Shadow Host was once again label-less. After another self-released demo in 2004, Shadow Host were picked up by Russian label CD-Maximum and in 2005 released album #3 ‘Curse of the Angeleye’. Six long years have since passed, but finally Shadow Host have returned to deliver their 4th full-length release, entitled ‘Bringer of Revenge’.

Aside from having label troubles earlier in their existence, Shadow Host have also struggled to maintain a stable line-up, which has been a constant right from the beginning and continues to be an issue. This problem is one of the reasons why the band has only released four albums in almost 20 years. The line-up of Shadow Host has changed so many times, that it puts Megadeth’s revolving door of members to shame; with a total of 27 ex members...wow. The line-up on ‘Bringer of Revenge’ consists of founder and guitarist Alexey Arzamazov, guitarist Uriy Naletov, drummer Efim Burak, bassist Evgeny Nesterov and vocalist Viktor “Anger” Lysiy; however since the release of the CD (December 2011), Viktor Lysiy has since left the band and replaced by Alexey Markov.

Enough of the background info, let’s get onto what Shadow Host sound like and just how good the new album is. The review for this new CD may have slipped through the cracks and is around 12 months late, but it’s better late than never and this band needs all the promotion it can get. Shadow Host play an aggressive European power metal style that’s twin guitar driven and contains tons of hard-edged riffs, licks, chords and solos. With thunderous powerful drumming and swift songs containing high octane tempos, Viktor’s vocals are quite raspy and aggressive, just like the music behind him. Numerous bands come to mind when comparing Shadow Host, including Mystic Prophecy, Black Abyss, Wizard, Rage, Axenstar, Nostradameus, Steel Attack and early Firewind, just to name a few.

For the majority, the song-writing is very well done, however fairly predictable and completely done a million times before; but that’s expected these days with that giant genre. At times the lyrics of a few songs could be deemed questionable, however I just put that down to “lost in translation” as English is obviously not the prime language for these guys. Small gripes, I know, but most importantly is the music and Shadow Host do know how to create kick ass power metal.

The eight tracks (and intro) that appear on ‘Bringer of Revenge’ are all very good songs of a high quality, and are both memorable and catchy. The melodic and mid-paced “Beware Your Dreams” can be deemed ballad-esque but has a wonderful and passionate chorus that you can’t help but sing along to. I think of Black Majesty when hearing this track, which contains soaring and soulful guitar riffs. The shiniest gem located within this release (IMO) would be the excellent and kick ass “Demon Hunter”, a ferocious and ballsy track, full of power, melody and groove. Viktor’s raspy vocals suits perfectly for this hammering track, wonderfully forging aggression and emotion in his delivery; while we are treated to some wicked guitar riffs throughout the track as well.

Another standout track is “Forsaken One”, which starts out slowly and peacefully but eventually builds into a double bass pummelling galloping track with passages of classical acoustic guitar thrown in for added depth. Other tracks that need a mention here include the grandiose metal hymn “Secret Left Untold” and the very aggressive, almost thrashy powerhouse that is “Back to the Shadowland”.

What really stands out with ‘Bringer of Revenge’ is the raw vibe you hear, the grittiness of the guitars, which is something of a dying trend at the moment with power metal, where they are trying to get that polished feel throughout with perfect production standards, etc. The two main factors driving this album to success is the excellent guitar-work of Alexey Arzamazov and Uriy Naletov who are not obvious household names in the metal world; and also vocalist Viktor Lysiy, who delivers an amazing performance on every track on the CD. It is unfortunate now that Viktor has since left and not knowing how his replacement (Alexey Markov) will sound on the next release.

If you are a fan of any of the bands mentioned above in this review then Shadow Host will definitely be right up your alley, particularly bands like Mystic Prophecy, Steel Attack and Black Abyss. These guys are working so hard and constantly against the ropes with the constant line-up changes and label issues, but it’s so great to see that they haven’t packed it in and broken up, which could be the easy option for some bands. They have plugged away for 20 years and hopefully can continue on for another 20 and then some.

Originally written for www.themetalforge.com (2013)