Retribution (CD & DVD Digipack)

The review title says it all. This album simultaneously whisks you into the sky with epic hooks whilst crushing your head with a sledgehammer of percussion and distortion.

It begins with a sedated instrumental piece which then launches into a furious onslaught of double-kick drumming, fierce basslines and dual-lead guitars. Did I mention the solos yet? They kick the buttocks, yes they do.

There are commercially accessible songs as well - lead single 'Still I Rise' seems destined to recieve radio airplay with its massive chorus, and yet it's still 'metal enough' that the die-hards will lap it up. There are some really brutal songs as well, such as 'War', and 'A Public Execution'. Worth noting as well, that this album contains some profanity, which I've not encountered from the Shads before!

If you like your thrash, speed metal or metalcore that bit faster and louder, this album will see you right. It might just be their career best to date.

Absolutely outstanding effort from the Shades. They have proven them selves for still being in the american metal league. This is almost back at to the art of balance and of one blood. The best tracks are: My Demise, Dead And Gone, War and A Public Execution. For fans of Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, Devildriver, Divine Heresy, Slayer and Chimaira.