Artist: Shadoz Edge CD Title: "Reinvention" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 5/26/02

     Shadoz Edge is keeping the fury and rage of Heavy Metal alive with their latest release "Reinvention."  This release was defiantly the ball kicker of the year.  Shadoz Edge has evolved as a band over the years from a Thrash metal band, into a melodic heavy powerhouse that they are now.  It's safe to say that their evolution has been in a positive direction.  They choose not to sound dated, and I think that's what's keeping them on the map.  Shadoz keeps the heavy metal riffs blazing on in every song, but they add in a blend of modern or "now" sounding rock to make their music up to date and fresh.  A standout is Dave Shadoz vocal work.  His voice gives Shadoz Edge an even harder sound.  Dave's voice has a raspy sound to it, and really contributes to the Shadoz Edge sound and feel.  As far as guitars go, they will kick your butt around the block a few times over.  Riffs very from super heavy, to melodic and clean.  Pat Cassidy's leads are great as well; he's a player that combines plenty of speed and melody for an onslaught of shredding.

     Track one "Entity" opens with a cool keyboard intro that sets the stage for the rest of the song.  Then in comes the roaring main guitar riff.  This song is a medium paced number that was very well written.  Dave's vocal work is nothing short of bad ass!  The lyrics are also really interesting as well and you'll be singing along with Dave instantly.

     "Gone" song two, rips your head of with a ferocious guitar riff and some groove drenched bass playing by Hari.  This tune has a real great groove to it and each part flows into the next with ease.  You can tell these guys really put an effort into the music.  Their music has a lot of definition too.  Shadoz has a unique sound and these days, there music really stands out from the rest in the music scene.  I really enjoyed Hari's bass playing on this track, he laid down a heavy groove and I felt that it really carried the song well.  Hari's bass has a nice blend off effects on it in many parts of the song, especially the cleaner bass lines.  So keep your ears open for them.

     "Hidden Fears" track three is my choice for best song on the album 100 times over.  The main riff is very melodic and smooth.  Dave's vocals really setup the overall feeling of the track.  The guitars are real fat sounding and their tones are extremely textured.  Get ready to break out your microphone and sing along with Dave, because his performance is amazing on this one.  I could totally see this track being made into a music video!  Hari's bass playing really kept the song moving, with his upbeat walking bass lines.  He reminds me of Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) in this one.  Rick also contributes a high-energy drum performance as well.  He sets up a mega tight rhythm section for the band to follow.  I'd also like to mention the guitar solo in this song really floored me.  It was super catchy and was filled with soul.  Shadoz has an amazing ability when it comes to song writing skill.  This guitar solo fit the song so well, I couldn't imagine anything else being played in its spot.

     Song four "Society Cries" starts as slower melodic number with a clean guitar verse.  Dave gets a little more emotional in this song with his vocals.  His vocal range is very wide in this one from soulful to the low growl.  I really liked the lyrics in the song, as they were very intelligent and had a statement to make.  They do bring in a heavy chugging guitar line midway through the track that will tear you to pieces.  These guys have a knack for writing powerful guitar riffs, and I can't wait to see what they'll release next.

     "Time" track five opens with a bass and vocal duet by Hari and Dave.  This song tips to all extremes, from slow and melodic to heavy and groove laden.  I really like the main lead section, it's one of catchiest and most melodic on the record.  This song is extremely moving, it carries very well and progresses seamlessly.

     "Neutral Zone" begins with some really cool sound FX sampling that sets the song up for it's dark feel.  I enjoyed the bands inclusion of keyboard and FX sampling throughout the record.  It really adds to the songs over all presence, and makes them sound even more unique.  Dave's vocals are just evil and pissed off sounding in this one, so take heed with this darker side of Shadoz.

     "Stigma" track seven is another radio friendly number with clean and heavy passages.  This tune is super melodic, and you'll be humming the main line forever.  Dave's vocals shine throughout this rocker.  He has great control and range in this one and I like his choices of pitch.  The guitars really tear down the house, tones are very sharp and they'll cut right through your bones.  The main lead line will shred you to pieces.  Pat has a knack for writing super melodic and upbeat leads.  He brings in a dual harmony that is executed with perfection.  Pay close attention for his phasings, they well put together.

     Track eight "Crawl" opens with a hard groovin' guitar riff, joined by some super tight drum work by Rick Cuevas.  This tune again brings out the heavy / dark side of Shadoz Edge.  With pounding guitar and strong vocal work.  I also dig how Hari's bass lines double the guitars for a super fat wall of metal sound.  Pat's main lead line is WAH WAH drenched for texture.  His speed execution is perfect; in other words his picking is real clean.  I also love the added sampled angelic vocals that accented the solo area.  Shadoz Edge really pays attention to every aspect of their songs.  These added samples and keyboard affects help create a huge atmospheric sound.

     "Pyramids" song nine is an amazing sound bass solo / instrumental.  Hari is a real talented bassist and has a keen ear for melody.  The main line of the solo is very soulful, and will leave you craving more.  Another great addition to the solo is the keyboard Fx, a great sounding choral section.  I really wish this song was longer; I would have liked to see where it would have taken off to.  (HINT HINT, how about "The Pyramids Revisited", on the next album!)

     "Transmission" is a super short instrumental number with a very science fiction influenced sound to it.  It makes a real cool lead in for the next song.

     Song eleven "Alone In The Universe" is a medium paced rocker that is packed with great riffs and musicianship.  The rhythm section really stands out during this song.  Some real short lead fills consisting of sharply executed bends are a nice accent to verses and such.  The main lead section is quite long.  Pat builds this one up slowly, starting with medium paced licks and runs, then Rick brings in the pound double bass drums that allows Pat to bring the lead up a notch with some high speed fretboard ripping.  Again, you really see how much detail and work they put into just one song.  I enjoyed the speed change during the main lead section.  The bridge from slow to fast progressed seamlessly.  So keep your ears peeled and listen for the great architecture throughout this awesome number.

     "Europa" track twelve is a riff fest instrumental number with some evil spoken words at the end.  The guitar playing is reminiscent of old school trash metal with an updated sound to it.  Dave Shadoz can bust out some super heavy guitar riffs for sure.  The rhythm section in the band is super tight.  Rick's drum playing is always pounding in perfect meter; Hari's bass playing is nothing short of thunderous.  You'll need a neck brace after jamming to this one.  The riffs are fast and heavy so grab a crash helmet while you’re at it, cuz you'll be taking a hard fall!

     Song thirteen "To Kill Creation" is a real complex sounding tune with some super intricate guitar playing.  These riffs sound pretty difficult to play. I also dug Dave's intro lead; he has perfect pitch when it comes to bend notes!  The lyrics are very intelligently written, and they make a lot of sense.  If you’re into bands like Iced Earth, you'll really appreciate this songs aggression.  I also like Mark Keisler's leads during this one.  His fills add a great vibe when there blended in.  The lead section will get your blood pumping fast. Mark pulls out the stops and kills you with lots of speed, bends, and phasings.

    This song is very melodic and emotional sounding.  You'll catch the vibe they were going for right away.  The guitar playing is high caliber and intense.  The main lead section is a lot different than most conventional leads.  It's more of a rhythm orientated one.  With muti-note lines, lower on the fretboard and 2 string playing and it really fits the song.  Obviously they chose not to shred out, and it added to the feeling that they were going for.  Lastly, Pat ends the song with a WAH WAH blended bending and melodic phrasing.  Rewind it a few times, cool note choices.

     Lastly, "Disappear" brings the album to a brutal close!  Lots of double bass and heavy guitar playing.  Though the song isn't super fast it will really rock the hell out of you.  Well, it’s not all entirely slow... Dave and Pat have some really fast double bass work to trade off lead lines to.  Shadoz Edge can pack a lot of riffs into one song, with out any effort for sure.  The lyrics are cool as well, being on the darker side.  Shadoz Edge has an intense ear for layering and texturing in their song writing.  You couldn't ask for anything more from this song, you'll be recovering from this one for a week or so.

     Looking back, lets take this time to recap.  Heavy melodic guitar playing, tight drum work, pounding bass lines, cutting leads and some of the most ferocious vocals I've heard in a long time.  Shadoz Edge aren't new the guys on the block, they been here the hold time fighting off anyone trying to get on their turf.  It's wonderful to see bands like Shadoz Edge keeping the Heavy Metal flame burning.  I think it may be safe to say this was the best hard hitting Metal record of 2001 hands down.  Its no shock Shadoz Edge puts bands like Metallica to shame with their cut thought sound.  Hell, I shouldn't even mention Metallica and Shadoz Edge in the same sentence.  (Oops, I didn't it again!  GRRRR!!!)

     I really back and support this bands music, I've been a fan since the beginning, seeing their music videos on local T.V.  Back when they released "The Cause of Corruption" album.  They have since the evolved from the predominately trash metal sound for a more heavy modern sound, but not forgetting to blend in great metal guitar riffs that will tear you to pieces.  These guys are a well-oiled metal machine.  They've been together for a long time and are comfortable with each other’s playing and styles.  This advantage gives them a sharper edge and allows for better song writing and collaboration in the musical process.

     Back when they first released their first album as mentioned above, I was to young to go to the Metal bars to see them during that period.  So recently I finally had the opportunity to witness the ballistic stage show of Shadoz Edge.  (It's a major plus being over 21 now)  Their live show is just as intense as "Reinvention" is.  Shadoz Edge puts 150% into their performance and their stage presence commands your full attention.

     So all in all, do yourself a favor and buy "Reinvention."  It's one CD you shouldn't go through life without.  This album has really changed my impression and feeling on the continuing state of metal.  Shadoz Edge has evolved in THE RIGHT DIRECTION, unlike most of their counter rivals.  For some reason bands feel they have to change everything to keep their fans interested and buying more cds.  Shadoz evolves and grows continually.  This album proves they have more than what it takes to be rewarded with a major record deal, and I hope some executive reads this and learns something from it.  We want bands like Shadoz Edge in the mainstream and on MTV.  Were sick of these sappy sad and touchy feely bands, (I won't name names).  We need bands like Shadoz Edge to help evolve our musical horizons as music connoisseurs and fans.  They even blend in sampled effects and keyboards to add new dimensions to their music that doesn't come off being cheesy for god’s sake.  They have strong song writing abilities and never leave you wishing disappointed.  Shadoz Edge gives you huge sing along chorus lines, monstrous guitar playing and a rhythm section that every musician dies for.

     Here's the link www.shadozedge.com.  Go there and buy the bloody CD!  If you don't I will personally see to it that your life becomes harder to live day in day out.  You'll have nightmares and visions of Shadoz Edge thrashing in your head!  I give Shadoz Edge the two metal horn salute, and thanks guys for kicking my ass in a new direction with "Reinvention."