SHADECROWN is a Finnish melodic death/doom band that formed in 2012.  I've been following them since their debut album, "Agonia" in 2016, although they released a demo and one ep before that album graced the scene. I actually reviewed that album in my first year at Metal Temple so I'm very excited to be reviewing this new full length, their third album "Solitarian." I gave "Agonia" a score of 9 and their second full length album, "Riven" was also given a 9 by our editor Dave "That Metal Guy" Campbell.  So does this new hit the same high marks?

In a nutshell, yes.  In fact, it is just on the edge of perfect.  That isn't a bad thing as it just means they can continue to get even better! For those unfamiliar with the band, they have that deep melancholic sound that Finland is so famous for.  If you're fan of INSOMNIUM, BLACK SUN AEON, and BEFORE THE DAWN then you will love this.  Much like those bands, and many others from Finland, the band blends melodic death and doom metal together.  Sometimes the songs are straight MDM, some are more on the doom side, and others still are a perfect mixture of the two styles.  Regardless, every song brings the sad boy feels and, as a huge fan of both doom and melodeath, I wouldn't want it any other way.

The vocals are mostly death growls, although there are some cleans here and there.  While certainly serviceable, the cleans aren't anything real special-the growls, however, are exceptionally well done. The music is slow to mid paced, although they do speed up every now and then.  Their sound is better served on a lower tempo however-methodical and pulverizing always has them at their highest highs.  Their music, and this album isn't any different, tends to be atmospheric due to the keyboards, which are subtle but integrated and integral to the songs. The album sounds damn clear and good-perhaps too good because this band could benefit from having a "rougher" production job especially for the doom elements.  The mixing for the bass could be higher as well.

The opening track, "The Awakening," is a decent way to open the album.  It isn't my favorite on the album but it is faster piece so it does the job of grabbing interest and introducing the band.  The main riff is chuggy but the mid section with the chorus introduces some of the melodic doom elements.  The keyboards after the four minute mark cast a wide blanket over the song, bringing out the clarity of the other instruments.

"Dark Heart Replica," is one part melodeath and another doom with heavy Gothic elements, especially with the keyboards and the sorrowful guitar melodies.  The main riff is catchy and gives the song flow, it is just melodic and hard hitting enough to pack punch but not to over do it.  At the times, the riffs are held back to let the keys try their hand at story telling and they nail it.  Jari has some of the best growls around and sounds like a beast on this song!

Every track is worth hearing but the album really picks up at fifth song "The Loss." The violins are gorgeous in their darkness and are perfect for the band's sound.  The long intro is appreciated and well written.  The tortured vocals move alongside the guitar as the keys and clean vocals come out from behind as the rhythm guitar fades out a little.  That is what I like about this album and band-no one is afraid to let the other instruments shine when needed.  Every piece, every element is in the right place at the right time.

"Aeon's Still," is one of my favorite songs on the album and part of the reasons is how the track builds up.  The sound of waves begin the song and clean instrumentation soon accompanying them. A moving guitar solo cuts through as the song transitions to straight up Finnish doom metal.  I love it.  The mid section is introspective and a little ambient but fits right into the band's style.  The song then creeps back up into melodic death with keyboards landing like lighting strikes.  What a great song!

And then we get to the last song, and what is probably the best one the band has ever done: the title track "Solitarian."  This is a whopper of a melodic death/doom beast!  It is over fifteen minutes long and every minute is bliss.  I'm not sure who the other vocalist is, but she does an outstanding job in the early part of the song.  It begins with clean keys and her vocals rising up behind them before the drums kick down to the door to let a sweet melodic lead guitar lick in.  The rhythm guitar is thick and crunchy but doesn't cover up the other melancholic elements.  Around the 3:39 mark, the pace picks up and enters headbanging territory and the vocals grow increasingly energetic and throaty.

The mid section of the song has the drums taking a more atmospheric approach and it ties the song together.  How about that low death growl at the 11:44 mark and the balls out heavy metal that comes after?  Sent chills down my spine for sure!  The rest of the song switches between hammering out good old Finnish melodeath and good also Finnish doom metal.  As the song ends, I smile and hit that replay button. An absolutely incredible song.

SHADECROWN's "Solitarian," album is one that any fan of the Finnish scene needs to just buy.  Hey you?  Yes you!  Go buy this album!  Seriously, a nice year end hit and one that will surely burn up some those onslaught of year end lists.  You need this.   You want this.  Let it take you because it has some amazing places to show you.