The forms of Old School Metal are back to stay, that's a fact. But there's a problem inherited by the greater part of the bands: the lack of personality. Of course there's nothing wrong on taking the older forms of playing Metal and using them today, but when you're just copycatting others works, it's an offense to the fans: it's like selling others' music to the same fans. And the Mexican quintet EVIL SHADE still has a way to go, but shows to be a promising name on "Vandals".

Their musical work is based on a form of Heavy Metal popularized in the first half of the 80's, especially by German bands as GRAVE DIGGER, HELLOWEEN, RUNNING WILD, LIVING DEATH and others. It sounds with energy and personality, with good melodies and a solid instrumental. But it needs some improvements, because it really reminds a lot what was already done. No, it's not bad at all, but could be better, what means that they just need to mature a bit more. This EP was recorded, mixed and mastered at Monitor Studio by the hands of Ric Rob. Of course the idea was to be something organic and with resemblances of the first half of the 80's, but it needs more weight and definition, some modern improvements given by technologies, because this crude approach and 'smoky' sensation is boring. Once more: the latest releases of ENFORCER and BURNING WITCHES are compendiums for that.

"Vandals" is full of energy and a very good work on the guitars, as the mix between melodies and aggressiveness shown on "Wicked Crusades" is really in a very good balance. A touch of NWOBHM and Hard Rock can be heard on "Beneath the Pentagram", full of melodic hooks and a good chorus, the same appearing on "Shade of Evil". And showing one of their influences, there is a personal version for RUNNING WILD's "Black Demon" ending the EP. And the vocals must evolve a bit more, because even with a good voice, Diego's work isn't fitting 100% on what the band plays.

For now, "Vandals" is a good breakthrough, but EVIL SHADE can do something even better, it's just a matter of maturing (with having in mind that they're a young band).