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Hailing from England, Shadowkeep returns with their self-titled new album after a ten-year gap, during which there have been changes and turmoil and a lot of other things. Yet, that hasn’t impacted them in a negative light, instead, it seems to have given them more fuel to produce one of the best albums of the year.

Starting out with the instrumental Atlantis, a tone is set for the album that suggests proper metal, with a no-frills kind of attitude. This promise is met with Guardians of the Sea, a real rager that would get the crowds moving when played live. Followed up with Flight Across The Sand and Horse of War, and already one can picture the rapturous reception this album is going to get when played live. The band are on fire, the guitars are chugging out riffs just made for headbanging and the vocals superb.

The roar continues with Little Lion, Angels and Omens and Isolation, with the band showing off some of their more melodic elements through acoustic and cleaner passages. Yet the heaviness does not depart. Indeed, the heaviness returns with a tribute to the armed services in Never Forgotten, whilst The Sword of Damocles and Minotaur show off the band’s historical knowledge to a tee. Immortal Drifter is another song that brings a punch.

With their new album, Shadowkeep have ensured that they will make a solid mark on 2018. As a fan of metal, or rock, be sure to get this album when it comes out March 30th.