Shrapnel – In Gravity
Reviewed By: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 9
British thrash metal band Shrapnel embarks on their newest creative journey, In Gravity. This is a follow up to their critically acclaimed album Palace For The Insane released in 2020. This is a heavy, modern melodic direction building on the band’s maturity and pushes the band’s forward thinking not dwelling on the past. This is what makes this release a relevant game changer in their catalog.
The album begins with the blistering self-titled track ‘In Gravity’ that has guest vocalist Scott Kennedy from the band Bleed From Within. Although this track has a slower intro, it quickly takes off and has a blackened thrash vibe. Band members Daniel Moran (vocals/bass), Nathan Saad (lead guitar), Chris Martin (rhythm guitar), and Chris Williams (drums) have created a musical experience that crosses so many metal genres.
‘Amber Screams’ has a tradition metal vibe with a heavy melodic side to it. Reminds me of a heavier earlier Alice In Chains groove. ‘Guardian’is an incredibly fast track and has a much heavier vocal sound. This is one of my personal favourites… it is a heavy track with killer guitars and pounding drums.
‘Breaker’ explodes with a tribal drum beat and a Slayer vocal vibe expanding into a more melodic track, definitely would be a cool song to see live. ‘Judgement’ begins with a heavy guitar intro and blasts into a thrash chug. The clean mixed with heavy vocals really showcases the band’s diversity taking you on a journey. ‘Dark Age’ is the heaviest track on the album with a cool drum beat and killer heavy riffs.
‘Follow The Cold’ is another fast, killer thrash track that grabs a hold of you right from the first riff… another favourite of mine, as I love the speed and punch this track has to offer. ‘As Above’ is an acoustic guitar track that breaks from the thrash experience. ‘So Below’ returns the listener to the heaviness of the album. The track is fast and furious with a cool drum beat and the clean vocals are fantastic.
‘Absolution’ is the longest track on the album clocking in at just over six minutes. This is definitely the magnum opus on the album where the listener is subjected to so many emotions. The track begins with a much slower more melodic vibe and than speeds up around the two minute mark. This track has a great guitar solo plus the longer time frame is needed to complete this experience. The last two tracks ‘Rust’ and ‘Kingmaker’ return to the heavier thrash vibe finishing off the album in style. ‘Kingmaker’ is super fast and has a great melodic beat that is so catchy.
This is a superb album that keeps the listener attentive and intrigued on every track. It crosses so many metal genres making it a must have for all metal fans.
In Gravity is set to release on May 31st via Candlelight.