New York, New York is a scene of high rises, skyscrapers, neighborhoods, and old seedy back-alley bars nestled within the bustling streets. Such places have given birth to some great bands over time. There is something about the quality of a Blackened Death/Melodic Metal band you will see within those dimly lit walls. One such band, BEYOND SHADOWS, entered the underground scene in New York in 2000. They immediately released a demo, then the band went hard to work to hone their style and skill.   Following this was a period of time of transition for the band as members came and went. The band has released three full-length albums, one EP, and one single over the years. Bringing us to their newest release, released September 29, 2023, the self-titled album, “Beyond Shadows”.  

 The band takes such influences from New Wave of British Heavy Metal; bands such as JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN. While also having Death and Black Metal Inclusions. This combined creates their sound, unique to the band. It is the tantalizing rifts of Black Metal with the classic sounds of Death metal. Allow me to introduce you to this album.  “Where No Sorrow Falters” - Starts out with a hard-hitting guitar riff that carries forth to a Black Metal sounding vocal style. The chorus intermingles the Melodic Metal touches that this band leans into. The overall sound is hard-hitting, yet lures you forth with touches of soft Melodic tones. “My Anger” - This song opens with a classic Death Metal sounding riff, and maintains that classic Death Metal feel throughout most the song. The face melting vocals scream violently of anger while the guitars beg you to bang your head in time. “My Love” - As a contrast to the last song on the album written about anger, that opened with violent sounds; this song eases you in with soft, Melodic guitar riffs. This song comes in at a little over 9.5 minutes. Written to accentuate the song before it, it has a much softer feel while still being raging metal.  

“Skull, Wings, Heart”- This has a fantastic Melodic guitar melody laced delicately with the Death metal guitar riffs. Almost like ribbons blowing in the wind side by side, each wave rises where the other falls. However, the Blackened Metal Vocals remind you not to get too comfortable in that daydream. “Beyond Shadows”- The self-titled track to the self-titled album. The Blackened Metal influences, along with the Death Metal ones very evident in the musical style combined with the vocal style. Yet, the beat is modernized as well in an upbeat way.  The sole composer of this album, Beyond Shadows, is Daniel Ilahi, whose artistic prowess is evident throughout the album in many ways. Despite its previous trouble with the lineup, this band has come out strong, bursting with passion for music. I think it is so important to recognize and enjoy the music of those who create as an art, rather than to create as a business venture. Of course, both things have their bearing and weight in the musical world, but who cannot appreciate someone who creates music because they love music?! So, give these guys a listen, I sincerely believe this is an album many can enjoy.