Since Melodic Power Metal appeared, many bands took the formula and used it to a point that it became extremely boring. Even for us writers, it became a great and distressful work to deal with bands copying each other or repeating the same features that the giants used. But there are moments when some bands really use different elements to create something really special. It takes patience to find, but a band as LIGHT & SHADE (a quartet with musicians from different countries) is an excellent discovery.

Their name says all: they use the contrast between melodies from Power Metal with the heavy weight of traditional Heavy Metal and some elements from extreme and modern Metal genres (in some moments only, as you'll hear clearly on "Drown in the Absurdity"). Although it's their first album and they still have a way to go (and mature as well), their actual level is not from a beginner, but seems to be from an experienced band. They know how to deal with catchy melodic lines and very good choruses. The producer of the album did a fine work, because on "The Essence of Everything", all songs are sounding clear and in a way that is easy to understand and assimilate. But don't get the wrong idea, because the album is heavy as well. The balance of weight and sound clarity is almost perfect.

"Drown in the Absurdity" with its aggressive moments and very good technical approach (and fine contrast on vocals, besides some high pitched shrieked screams could be left out), the excellent ones "Spirit of Anne" and "Burned" (both showing a fine work from bass guitar and drums), the seductive melodic scent of "Meet Me in Summer" and its great riffs and excellent vocal parts; the eclectic and extremely arranged "Brokenhearted", the half brutal and half progressive "Wander So Far" (again extreme Metal elements are presented, as harsh voices and aggressive rhythmic parts), and the excellent guitars on "The Essence of Everything" can be mentioned as their finest moments, but the entire album is good.

I know that the members of the band are all experienced musicians, but even with this knowledge, these guys are amazing!