SHADOCCULT was created in 2019 by composer & multi-instrumentalist Martin Breton. This unique cinematic metal experience features dark classical influences and operatic vocals. His debut self-titled album contains six tracks. "Ritual" opens the album, and it opens with chanting vocals and a steady, easy pace. Some light symphonics mix in as well. The song has a regal quality to it, though you might only know it's Metal from the drums and guitars. "Awakening" opens with a low and slow guitar riff and clean vocals. When he sings in the lower ranges, it reminds me of TYPE O NEGATIVE a bit. The sound drops just after the half-way mark to just a light riff and some atmosphere. The riff that follows is more positive sounding.

"Brotherhood" begins with a slow and weighted riff. The vocals are just a bit pitchy, though he stays in a comfortable range, as the drums roll with double bass. It closes with some lead guitar notes. "Solitude" is a brief one-and-a-half-minute piano number where Martin shows some real classical skills on the ivories. It's both sad and wonderful at the same time. "Oath" opens with some solemn piano notes and an ominous feeling that something is coming. When the riff rolls in, the sound is darkened, but with just the piano notes it's actually quite charming. The vocals are kept to a minimum here and I really like the piano parts.

"Hope" closes the album, opening with piano and vocals. "In the darkness, there is something to believe" he croons. Dual harmonic acoustical guitars bring the song to a different dimension. I really feel his strengths lie in his piano skills and compositions. When it's just him singing and playing the piano, something just sounds right. This final track highlights this feeling best. As I mentioned before, it would barely register as Metal, but that is neither here nor there. Good music is just good music. It's a first good effort and I look forward to hearing more from the band in the future.