Shadows Of Steel - Heroes

Year of Release: 2000
Label: Underground Symphony
Catalog Number: USCD-042
Format: CD
Total Time: 00:00:00

This is a (another) 4-song EP by an Italian band that seems destined to keep repeating their original formula of speedy, double bass, cliched metal with no hint that the band is going to change direction and attempt to write that one disc that puts them on the metal map.

Personally, I don't mind purchasing EP's in the hopes that one of them leads me to believe that there is hope for a band's future, but I do object to having to pay as much as I pay for a full length disc, which is what the case was here.

Nothing has changed in the Shadows of Steel camp - the double bass at the constant, unchanging speed; the wild, high flying vocal antics of Wild Steel, who still needs to grab a hold of some control over his voice as it sounds like it could do some serious damage if used properly. He does seem like he is trying to sing in a more controlled range and style, but his high pitched accent most likely keeps him from attaining the performance he probably wants and needs to.

The production doesn't seem to be on a par with other SoS discs, although it's nothing to complain about ? it's still well done and better than most Italian produced discs. The drums seem a little dryer here than they usually do, the guitars aren't as prominent in the mix, and there is a little [something] lacking in the bass dept. The vocal production is clear and precise, and although it's hard to pick up on all of the words, it's due to the accent rather than the production.

It's very difficult to recommend an EP that hasn't shown any dramatic change in a band's style or musical approach, as well as not being up to the performance as other discs have been. For whatever reason, and unbeknownst to the public, bands like SoS keep putting out discs that don't hint at any change or signs of maturity, and how bands keep being able to release gorgeous digi-paks like SoS does is beyond me. Someone out there seems to think that the band is worth the time and effort to put out some serious artwork time and time again, but I'm still hoping that the next disc (if there is one) will be a full length, and show more of the band's talent rather than just re-hashing the same old material over and over again.

Tracklisting:
Heroes (4:05) / Welcome To Heaven (6:05) / Wings Of Glory (5:27) / The Hawk (3:26)

Musicians:
Wild Steel - vocals
Andrea Torricini - bass
Steve Vawamas - bass
Andrew McPauls - keyboards
Vic Mazzoni - guitars
Frank Andiver - drums

Discography:
Shadows Of Steel (1997)
Twilight (1998)
Heroes (2000)
Second Floor (2001)

Genre: Progressive-Power Metal

Origin IT

Added: October 1st 2000
Reviewer: Larry "LarryD" Daglieri

Artist website: www.shadowsofsteel.com
Hits: 2425
Language: english