To label a band as this or that Metal genre can limit future flights and evolutions. No one seems to understand such a fact, but a fine example can be METALLICA during “Metallica” days: as they open hand of a strong technical outfit for a simple one, many fans started to complain, but others loved the album, and many more came (because the band’s music became more accessible). If no on tried to label their music, maybe the complains should be fewer than back in 1991-1992 (and to accept “Load” and “Reload” would be easier). It means that you must keep your mind open when dealing with “As Above, So Below”, the first full-length of the English quintet SHADOW OF THE TALYSMAN.

The sonority is harsh and aggressive, showing some modern elements on it, being clean and defined. But it could be better done, because some instrumental tunes (especially on the guitars) are sounding too ‘hollow’ and ‘mechanic’. It’s not a sin for a first album, but it could be better. Musically, the quintet’s music assembles many different influences, so they can be said as a Groove/Alternative Thrash Metal act that draws influences from Modern Metal acts as LAMB OF GOD and KILLSWITCH ENGAGE (mainly due the screamed vocals’ tunes sometimes), from traditional Heavy Metal as well, and from other genres. But such an explanation means just to open the eyes of the reader about their music, because the experience of hearing to it will make things clear, and shows that a good name is arising (even with some edges needing to be sharpened in the future).

But even waiting for progress in their music in the future, it doesn’t mean that “Arise” (fine screams and grunts of the vocals are heard on this Thrash Metal-like song), “What is Real?” (where the Groove Metal side of the band’s music becomes evident), “Fiery Descent”, “Dead with the Devil” (another Groove/Thrash Metal moment filled with weight and a thunderous work from bass guitar and drums), “The Outlaw” (a bit more technical and with intense double bass parts), “Cursed” (an introspective moment with melancholic Southern/Country Rock influences, and very good clean guitars), “As Above” and “So Below” (very good guitars, indeed) aren’t good songs. Again: they’re pretty good, but the band’s potential is huge.

As a first coming, “As Above, So Below” works, but more can be asked from SHADOW OF THE TALISMAN in the future.