Polish death metalers, SHODAN, released their third album/EP on 3-4-20, "Death, Rule Over Us". This is a band with distinct cold-wave vibes, built on a concept defying being labelled. As such, they have pieces of various genres of metal. Progressive vocals, and song structure; with a death metal flair throughout. The band was formed in Wroclaw, Poland in 2013; a trio that just wanted to let the music flow. Self-proclaimed, "The music of death, rats, bitterness, and vanity." Cold-wave aesthetics lean towards a genre of music that is hard to define. Bringing to mind underground punk or metal shows in a back-alley, seedy Polish bar. Having grown up near Seattle, Washington, USA myself, I have a deep love of underground music. Hashtag support local music! However, the artistic value of such venue is unsurpassed. You'll rarely see a more passionate crowd about their music. Fans and players alike. AND... you never know who you may see play an underground show that may well make it big in the music world later.

"Fuel to Grandeur"- Artful guitar notes lead us into a hard and industrial sounding song. I am an absolute lush for the guitar solos in this song. Progressive vocals precisely accompany its musical counterpart in an epic combination of sound. "Doomsday Melody"- This song is easily my favorite on this album, and what an aptly named song for where our world is at right now with the virus and subsequent stay-at-home orders. Fast from the beginning, this song picks you up and takes you exactly where it pleases; and that is a melodic and silky middle. Softly played drum beats and lyrics as if on the edge of that place between when you are awake and asleep.

"Ray of Darkness"- I absolutely dig the musical composition in the intro of this song. It builds anticipation and has you tapping your feet and nodding your head. And I completely emotionally relate to its tortured yells and hard edges. This song is screaming into the abyss when all you need is the release of that yell. "I Have Crowned Myself"- While listening to this album I have gained a deep appreciation into its lead vocalist, Szczepan Inglot. He has a good vocal range, from the deepest progressive sound to an occasional cleaner sound. He just has a way of hitting that pure metal sound. Especially when accompanied by such talented guitar, bass, and drums.

All in all, I can't really say I found anything about this album I didn't like. From beginning to end it plays like a trio who are passionate and knowledgeable about what they play and not afraid to break a mold to make great music. I have a penchant for foreign metal and as I mentioned before, I deeply loved the cold-wave influences in this album. I think SHODAN has a good recipe for growing a really good fan base and I highly suggest checking "Death, Rule Over Us" out. Play it more than once though. As with all the best albums, it isn't until the second or more time you listen that the subtle intricacies and nuances emerge. Enjoy my metal friends, and stay healthy out there.