ALBUM REVIEW: Melancholy – Shadow Of Intent

There aren’t many that would argue that SHADOW OF INTENT are one of the planet’s most exciting deathcore bands of late. Exposure to their devastating approach is often an exhilarating experience, impactful yet all the while equally impressive. Having already unleashed two full length releases since 2016, they are yet again poised to rain all hell down on a scene that is quickly accepting them as one of the best in the game. With such a reputation on the line, there is a lot riding on their third album Melancholy, but luckily for the band, its arrival is awaited with anticipation, rather than doubt.

This confidence is unsurprising, given the relentless way in which they have gone about their business thus far. The 2017 album Reclaimer was a truly monstrous opus, and early listenings to the recently released singles show no signs of them changing course. They are lovers of heavy music, writing the heaviest of songs, and they aren’t about to let up even an ounce of steam. Melancholy opens with its title track, led by haunting piano and string arrangement. This sentiment builds, ultimately breaking into a 5-minute long deathcore wet dream. Ben Duerr is quick to display his shattering vocal capabilities, jumping straight into action with an animalistic scream.

Duerr‘s vocals are impressive enough when examined in isolation of the instrumentals, but it’s the bigger picture that makes SHADOW OF INTENT a true marvel. Gravedigger is equally as heavy as the opener, yet there is always a sense of structure and purpose. Shock factor isn’t the main focus (that comes more in flourishes), instead riffs drive the track forwards, and clinical playing creates a towering spectacle. This is continued through Barren And Breathless Macrocosm, where guitar rips through yet more astonishing vocal work and drums that hold pace with the frenetic fretwork.

The album continues to be well mapped through Underneath A Sullen Moon, laying down intricate playing amidst blast beats and bass licks that ripple throughout. This is owed in part to the production, which allows the clinical musicianship to truly shine. Oudenophobia is a moment of quiet in relative terms, standing as a progressive track that lessens the pace without dropping the heavy facade. It is simply the calm before the storm however, as Embracing Nocturnal Damnation and Dirge Of The Void bring us back up to full speed. 

It’s refreshing to hear a deathcore album that isn’t reliant on its breakdowns, but when they do come, they arrive in emphatic style. Chthonic Odyssey demonstrates this nicely, featuring a bone shattering drop into a frenzy of down tempo hostility. All this before falling into a soaring solo and ultimately acoustic guitar. This is deathcore of the future, and SHADOW OF INTENT are rewriting the rules in their quest to build upon their already emphatic sound.

If the album hasn’t been impressive enough up to this point, then The Dreaded Mystic Abyss is sure to correct that. In essence it is a 10-minute long instrumental track, but ultimately it is a mark of the bravery SHADOW OF INTENT have displayed. It pushes them deeper towards the realm of technical death metal and would be more expectant of RIVERS OF NIHIL or BEYOND CREATION, yet it is executed with absolute precision and proves SHADOW OF INTENT as a band capable of going toe to toe with the best. Taking such a capable vocal asset such as Ben Duerr out of the equation is also a gutsy move (if only for one track) and allows the American juggernauts to shine for their sheer musicianship alone.

As the album is concluded by Malediction, Duerr is back to unleash all hell, and the blackened blitzkrieg continues. One thing is for certain, if the future of deathcore truly has arrived, then SHADOW OF INTENT are stood at the helm. In 2017 they wrote a masterpiece. In 2019 they have managed to one-up themselves. Melancholy is a driving force, and a lifeblood for any avid deathcore fan out there.

Rating: 9/10

Melancholy is set for release August 16th via self release. 

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