EP REVIEW: Shadows – Shadows

Alex Bouks can’t stay still. Formerly of death metal outfit GOREAPHOBIA and current member of both RUINOUS and IMMOLATION, the pioneering guitarist has, quite literally, come out of the SHADOWS with his new project. Their eponymous EP drops via Agonia Records, with Bouks ably supported by former GOREAPHOBIA members Jake G and Henry Piotrkowski, and Dominance drummer Lance Walter.

Alex has gone back to his roots with SHADOWS – there’s less of an emphasis on speed and more on sprawl, evident from the opening track Ghosts of Old that sees the guitar work more in line with David Gilmour of PINK FLOYD fame than anything else, Jake G’s brooding vocals over the top allowing for an immediate darkness to swirl around; the song also drastically slows down even further at the end, a disconcerting coda that showcase SHADOWS’ ability to keep listeners on their toes at all times. Nights of the Goat Winter Moon goes less progressive and more gothic; there’s less distortion on the guitars and a quicker tempo which evokes the likes of FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM and SISTERS OF MERCY.

As the EP moves into its second half, Walter’s prowess behind the kit shows its class on Elders, the only moment there’s any hint of the extreme background the four members come from with more complex fills and kicks; the guitars are also rawer within the production, harking back to the earlier days of extreme metal where everything sounded like it had been recorded on a cassette player in a garage. Jake G has manifested his voice into a more lax and drawling style akin to the late, great Pete Steele, that gothic vibe continuing to travel through the music. The best is saved until last – Ancient Eyes is almost nine-and-a-half minutes of expansive doom metal, with the vocals higher in the mix to give a more ethereal feel; it almost appears as if the intention was to use the human voice as an additional instrument. Additionally, the guitars are at their most potent; with the song length as it is, they’re given time to ring out and breathe more, thus enhancing appreciation and benefitting a quite excellent ending.

Seeing someone as accomplished as Alex Bouks turn out a new style of music this far into his career is proof that many musicians aren’t just talented in their most known field. Indeed, SHADOWS could provide an excellent foil to the likes of IMMOLATION over time should more releases appear.

Rating: 7/10

Shadows is out now via Agonia Records. 

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