This American metal band was formed in New York in 2018 and this is not their first release, but "The Necromancer's Castle" is their debut full length album. In the corresponding biography SHADOWLAND is being portrayed as a band that has the most ties with the NWOBHM. Well, maybe they do have, but just a little. It is most evident in the riffing, as that does remind me of Paul Di'Anno era IRON MAIDEN. On the whole I really think it has a lot more in common with the US Metal that was around in the early eighties. I could even call this Power Metal, as this has the driving force of a Howitzer on full speed.

First off there is singer Tanya Finder. She's a proper powerhouse with a very pleasant voice which is very fitting with the music on "The Necromancer's Castle". She has a bit of the sound of Suze deMarchi (BABY ANIMALS) combined with the rough edges and power of Leather Leone (CHASTAIN), but still has that distinguishability which makes her sound unique in her own way. Plus, the vocal lines are always in synch with the music being played, and that makes it all come out just that better. And for all those folks that look down on female metal singers outside the gothic scene, just have a listen and tell me Tanya Finder isn't doing a cracking job. I bet you can't.

The music is dense, filled to the brim and there's only room in between the songs. That might just be why the grading I have done has come out this way. If they would have taken the time to slow down or even write, record and include a (semi-) ballad on the album I'm sure that would have enhanced the quality of "The Necromancer's Castle". Now the only respite you get is during "Remains", which has quite a distinctive SAXON and ACCEPT feel to it, but also some MALICE (remember them?).

As for the sound of the album, the production is more than adequate. It makes their eighties sound even more genuine, but I just can't shed the feeling that SHADOWLAND could have made so much more of this endeavour if they had gone for more open and even crispier sound, something like WARRIOR had on their album "Fighting for the Earth". Plus, if they had included more diversity in their songs, they could have made a killing of "The Necromancer's Castle". Especially as I feel that they do harbour the class and dedication to do so.