Symphonic Death Metal. What do I think of when I read this description of "Shadows At The Light Of Dawn", the second album of the Italian band NEFASTIS? I really don't what I am thinking, I'm just wondering if it works. When I look up this (for me) unknown band and read the info that comes with the music, I realise that they have been around since 2008, and released their debut album "De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis", a Thrash/Death Metal concept album divided in 4 Acts, half instrumental, in 2014.

Well, to say that "Shadows At The Light Of Dawn" is a far cry form the sound of the debut album is quite an understatement, and one I'm very confident in making after hearing what NEFASTIS has to offer at least three times. And therein lies the first problem as far as I'm concerned. You're only able to make a good impression one, and at first I was not exactly enamoured with what I was hearing on "Shadows At The Light Of Dawn". The Symphonic parts are very good, and even when you hear the grunting vocals instead of a high pitched lady's voice, it still fits. It's when the musical Death Metal parts are added that is gets to feel very rushed, not well thought out, making the two sides of the coin stay just that. They just don't gel. It took me three full length listens before I could stomach it all, and even admit that it does work most of the time. For me it doesn't work when the drums go too fast, that's when an imbalance in the NEFASTIS structure arises.

Like I mentioned, the Symphonic Metal parts are great, and most of the time I can hack the Death Metal parts that are used, but it really is hit and miss as far as I can tell you. For those who like their Symphonic or even Gothic Metal, you really need to listen to "Shadows At The Light Of Dawn" at least a few times, like I did, before you cast your vote. As for the Death Metal afficionados with a wider interest, your area of acceptance has to be very wide, otherwise this NEFASTIS release isn't going to work. In my case I can tell you that even though I am quite adventurous in my musical endeavours, I am still struggling with this one. I therefore will give this a pass from now on.