From their EPK, “Shades of Life” is built upon the foundations of classic doom/death metal, with deep, expressive vocals, emotive, melodic guitar lines and vast, austere riffs. However, it is also dusted in the magic of gothic illusion that engenders a uniquely captivating atmosphere and meticulous attention has been paid to every intricate musical detail – subtle guitar work and outstanding drumming – with each nuance being given space to shine by the meticulous mastering of Javier Fernandez (TodoMal). And all of this combines to form an incredibly complete album, perfect within itself.”

The album has seven songs, and “Plagued by Sorrow” is first. The tones are slow, weighted with sorrow, and desolate, and the guttural vocals help to heighten this feeling. There is indeed a good deal of emotion in this music. It swells and retreats at just the right times. “Absolution” is anything but…it’s a fleeting thought that is quickly dashed by the hopelessness of the music. Yet, fragments hang in the air, just enough to peak your hopes. The clean passages help to stamp these feelings. “Code of Ethics” is a slow burn, with plenty of melody. You can literally feel the pain in his voice. “Without the I” was the first single released, and it’s a more straightforward slab of Death and Doom that slowly tears your insides out.

“Circular Reflection” being with lighter, more ethereal tones, but the emotions gather steam until the main riff is unleashed, and once the bleeding starts, it won’t stop. The lead breaks towards the end are gut-wrenching. “Silent Exit” is longest, at just under 11 minutes. It gives the band plenty of time to explore themes and sound of despondence countered with some hope, and the melody is even catchy at times. There is also fury, accompanied by threating storms, and it’s an uncanny balance that the band has. “City of Ghosts” is the final act. It’s like one big final gasp for fresh air, that just isn’t there. You can see the air, feel the air, but when you reach out, it’s just gone.

The overly emotional nature of the music is what grabs me first, and that is a difficult thing to attain when the vocals are so harsh, and so guttural. They build a landscape that reminds me of endless rainy days, where the sun doesn’t even peak out for a moment. This was indeed a very bleak painting, with various shades of color throughout it.