Shadows Fall

Album number six for Springfield, MA metalcore mainstays Shadows Fall is a heavily anticipated release, at least for the mainstream metal masses. Unfortunately, as with 2007 effort Threads Of Life, the band adhere so steadfastly to a formula that works, and that wasn't that complicated to begin with, that they fail to live up to expectations. But that's not to say Retribution is lacking ― for the average soul with few reference points other than a couple of Devildriver, Disturbed and maybe Pantera records, Retribution will blow their doors off with its In Flames-esque technical stability, hardcore thrust and slick blend of scorching vocals, clean melodies and wonky solos worthy of a nod from Zakk Wylde. Catchy in its upbeat progressions and stellar production, Retribution is a great mainstream metal album. For those with more advanced tastes though, it's yet another slab of calculated, poppy heaviness.