Shadows in the Light [Enhanced]

Immolation | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 8, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Century Media
• ASIN: B000OHZK3Q
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,875 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

IMMOLATION SHADOW IN THE LIGHT

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfying stuff!, September 28, 2007

By 

A. Stutheit "Teyad" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shadows in the Light (Audio CD)

After getting a little experimental with 2005's "Harnessing Ruin," Immolation storm back onto the scene two years later with the seventh full length release of their career, this year's "Shadows in the Light." Immolation seemingly had just two goals in mind when they wrote this album: focused, straightforward, compact songwriting (almost all of the songs stay in the neighborhood of three to four minutes), and furious, devastating brutality. As a result, this iconic New York quartet have never sounded this hungry, aggressive, or crushing.

In fact, truth be told, Immolation have always been a death metal band, but "Shadows in the Light" really leans more towards the grindcore side of the line. It also boasts an abnormally long ten tracks (opposed to the band's usual eight or nine). But those two things aside, every classic Immolation hallmark trait is in place on here, including abrasive, tractor-sized riffs, unorthodox soloing, free-flowing, blasting drum beats, bludgeoning rhythms, and guttural, commanding vocals.

Even though the album has a somewhat brief running time, nobody should be left feeling shortchanged after listening to it, because man, Immolation sure cram a ton into these forty minutes! Plus, it may be the heaviest release of their career thus far, but they never forget to slip in plenty of nifty, catchy hooks, and they also incorporate just enough melody (usually through the frequent use of lead axeman Robert Vigna's wailing, harmonic solos) that the songs need to be memorable and avoid monotony.

Opener "Hate's Plague" and "Tarnished" are just two of the numerous incredibly tightly-knit, punishing, and mean bruisers to be found on here, and overflow with driving, incessantly pummeling blast beats, bulldozing guitar leads, and almost demonic vocals. "Passion Kill," will surely soon be a set staple in Immolation's live show. This doom-laden piece boasts blistering riffs, solo, and a really catchy chorus (where frontman Ross Dolan evilly growls out sinister lines like "God will punish you/God will torture you") which will instantly get tattooed to your brain.

"The Weight of Devolution" and the title cut mix things up a bit by opting for a moderately paced tempos and surprisingly groovy rhythms (plus, the former also features excellent, wailing solos, and the latter has strategically placed, crashing high-hats). But later songs, like "Breathing the Dark," "Deliverer of Evil," and the jackhammering "Lying with Demons" are positively devastating, and more than make up for those two moments of somewhat restrained heaviness. Lastly of note are the tremolo picked melodies in the Eastern-tinged set closer, "Whispering Death."

Immolation have a sixteen-plus year under their belts so far, and even though they have been through several different record labels and band members over the years, they show absolutely no sign of aging or inconsistency. "SITL" is a terrifically strong and satisfying record which proves that this band is still at the top of their game, and is still going to be around for many more years to come.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Immolation: on the verge, June 11, 2007

By 

Ralph S. Shumway "Tear of Rudra" (Honolulu, HI) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shadows in the Light (Audio CD)

I have to start by admitting that Immolation is one of my favorite bands: not for what they are, but for what they could be. If you listen closely to Shadows in the Light and its predecessor, Harnessing Ruin, you will find complex structures, memorable riffs, and Death Metal that is approaching a state of sophistication that other bands are not reaching.

The biggest negative Immolation is facing is their studio recording, production, and mixing. Oh, what I'd give to hear a Tue Madsen produced Immolation CD! Shadows in the light is slightly less muted and muddied than Harnessing Ruin, which is a plus. However, when you listen to Behemoth's Demigod or Kataklysm's latest, you will understand this point. Immolation just needs technical expertise to truly blast the world with superior DM.

I rated Shadows in the Light at 4 stars because of the production values. I rate Immolation as a band at 5.

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant & Powerful, January 27, 2012

By 

Gustavo R. Caraballo "Haereticus" (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Shadows in the Light (Audio CD)

Another Immolation masterpiece. Hypnotizing melodies, powerful vocals and dark lyrics, exactly what I love about Immolation. As much as I loved this album, I didn't feel musical evolution.