Shadows Fall

After self-releasing a CD-EP, Shadows Fall has built a great word-of-mouth reputation and Of One Blood is an admirable debut full-length. Carefully treading that imaginary line between death metal and hardcore, the band have managed to make a great crossover record that should appeal to the masses. Late 1998 saw the band bring former Overcast throat Brian Fair into the line-up; this move may be the smartest move they ever made. Fair has the voice of a demon, his vocal strength really helped push the band to the next level, even though the vocals could have been recorded better. Tailor-made for the current state of metal/hardcore crossover; Shadows Fall is well worth checking out no matter where your true heart lies.