SHEAR is a Metal band from Helsinki, Finland formed in 2008. 2010 saw the band's debut EP "In Solitude", "Breaking The Stillness" came as their debut full length and paved the road for the following "Katharsis" via Lifeforce Records coming this March. Worth to mention a special guest as keyboardist on the album, Jens Johansson from STRATOVARIUS.

"Katharsis" making its way as the intro with a symphonic pattern ready to ignite "Last Warning" that tremendously distribute Progressive and Black Metal correspondence, whether through the riffs and wild rhythms. Within the chorus there are modern elements that were perfectly aligned with the peak vocalic moments. "Heaven Into Hell" is a mere masterpiece with its riffs, heeding BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST influences, changing into galloping Power Metal with melodic keyboards, led by masterful fretwork that might remind Joe Satriani and a merged vocal direction signaling of Amy Lee and Doro. "Home" is a Melodic Death Metal burst, and a breathtaking powerful voice of Alexa Leroux emotively showing her efforts that appeared rather similar to Sharon Den Adel. Though on the Death trail, this tracks holds various forms that might hint of DREAM THEATER conjured with JORN and HELLOWEEN. "Not Myself" felt like the modernized sensation of AMARANTHE, however later on sweeps into an AOR vibe bred by keyboards, inspiring of H.E.A.T.. Also interesting to check out: "Hollow, Black & Cold" with a commercial catchy chorus, the ballad "I Care" with a sorrowful mood, Symphonic Metal meets Progressive within "Whispers Follow You", PANTERA's groove mania with a sterling Heavy Metal mantra on "Turmoil" and a Punk fumed echoes in "For the Restless".

"Katharsis", in comparison to the debut, attested that SHEAR topped off their efforts on becoming miscellaneous. This album was quite a listening experience provided by great musicians, a perfect mix with catchy sounds. Highly recommend for you guys.