Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Abigail Williams In the Shadow of A Thousand Suns Company: Candlelight USA Release: 2008 Genre: Extreme Reviewer: Chaoslord

A decent black/death mix

I had never heard of this band before this found it's way into my hands. The description on the cover of "Gothenburg style riffs with black/death vocals" really grabbed my attention. Upon first listen I wasn't all that impressed by this album.

However, after a few more listens it began to grow on me. The guitars at times are very similar to an In Flames or Dark Tranquility album. The more I listened to In the Shadow of A Thousand Suns though, I felt like I was listening to a much heavier and nastier version of Hecate Enthroned. The guitar is galloping and rhythmic throughout most of the album.

For atmosphere, there are some etherial keyboard and piano riffs interspersed throughout various songs, as well as a few instrumental tracks. The drums are lightning fast and extremely technical. But what really caught my ear were the breakdowns in the songs. They go from pulse pounding, brain bashing riffs to very melancholic, morose guitar and piano riffs with slower but no less heavy drum beats.

These breakdowns also allow for the vocalist, Sorceron, to show off his clean vocal abilities. The rest of the band is as follows: Ellyllon tickling the ivories, Samus blasting out the drums, Plaguehammer laying down the bass, Bjornthor and Mike Wilson doing the guitar work.

Over all the album is a good listen. It's very much as the description on the album cover reads and there isn't a whole lot that will surprise you. So if you want a decent black/death mix, find this on sale and pick it up.