Black metal | Death metal | Metal
70%
Second Shadow—Line Up (Execution Style) (2005)
Details
Recorded by Hans Eidsgard at Jailhouse Studios, Vennesla, Norway in June 2005. Mixed by Hans Eidsgard and Second Shadow. Produced by Second Shadow.
Band
- Jon Vassbø—Vocals
- Preben Mosfjell—Guitars
- Ramses Argento—Bass
- Stig Reinhardtsen—Drums
Tracks
- Torture
- Line up (execution style)
- Murder v2.0
- Third floor malevolence
- Hands of murder
- Mind devoured
Review
This six track EP from Norway’s Second Shadow represents their only official release, other than a three track demo in 2004. Unlike many bands their EP doesn’t rework or try to improve any of the tracks on the demo.
Their sound reminds me very much of the Florida death metal scene from the mid- to late-90s. Think: Morbid Angel, Death, and especially Obituary. There is a meatiness to the guitar tone, the bass guitar lurks just beneath the guitars, drums and cymbals rattle alongside, and Vassbø growls away in the foreground.
Like many death metal albums I’ve listened to this is quite formulaic. There’s not much that is new. They don’t seem to bring anything particularly unique on the genre. It’s solid, listenable, but probably quite disposable death metal.
Conclusion
Despite sounding a bit like Obituary-wannabes I rather enjoyed this short slab of Norwegian death metal. If it came on, I certainly wouldn’t switch it off.
One thing about this album to note, however, is that it really does sound much better played loudly. The way metal is supposed to be listened to, right?
Review score: 70%